Boosted gen2 engine headgasket failure opinions wanted.

[ssmustang302]

Noticed coolant dripping into #5 cylinder when engine was cold. The shortblock is a forged RPG unit, headstuds, stock headgaskets. The shop that installed the new shortblock claimed they used new headgaskets, engine had 1k miles and around 20 1/4 mile passes. Heads were removed from the previously blown up engine & definitely not resurfaced. Do these look like 1000 mile headgaskets? The material missing is not stuck to the block.

Sponsored

 

[TonyT930]

Noticed coolant dripping into #5 cylinder when engine was cold. The shortblock is a forged RPG unit, headstuds, stock headgaskets. The shop that installed the new shortblock claimed they used new headgaskets, engine had 1k miles and around 20 1/4 mile passes. Heads were removed from the previously blown up engine & definitely not resurfaced. Do these look like 1000 mile headgaskets? The material missing is not stuck to the block.

It's awful how skimping on a $30 gasket can cause so much grief. With that said, that doesn't look like a newer gasket

 

[HKusp]

Send the heads out and have them checked. What kind of power are you throwing at them?

 

[ssmustang302]

Just got the heads back, Resurfaced & pressure tested. Machine shop also said gaskets looked used. Not sure on power it traps 151+ mph 4000lb race weight.

 

[robvas]

Resurfaced? Did they say how off they were?

 

[ssmustang302]

Resurfaced? Did they say how off they were?

They took off 4.5 thousands

 

[HKusp]

Just got the heads back, Resurfaced & pressure tested. Machine shop also said gaskets looked used. Not sure on power it traps 151+ mph 4000lb race weight.

You're making 900-ish whp I would think.

 

[silverbullet85]

How does one notice coolant dripping into a cylinder? You noticed coolant levels dropping? You noticed more pressure in the coolant system?

 

[ssmustang302]

How does one notice coolant dripping into a cylinder? You noticed coolant levels dropping? You noticed more pressure in the coolant system?

Coolant level dropping, exhaust smell on cold start, also Cyl 5 misfire

 

[K4fxd]

.004 isn't much. Hard to say with the gasket, but .004 shouldn't be enough warp to cause it to blow.

 

[Mike Pfeifer]

Why in the world would anyone re-use a head gasket ever?

 

[ice445]

Why in the world would anyone re-use a head gasket ever?

Laziness

 

[ssmustang302]

.004 isn't much. Hard to say with the gasket, but .004 shouldn't be enough warp to cause it to blow.

No wouldn’t think so. I’m thinking they reused the gasket. The material missing wasn’t stuck to the block. Stock headgasket isn’t recommended for this boost / power level.

 

[furdfan2018]

Just got the heads back, Resurfaced & pressure tested. Machine shop also said gaskets looked used. Not sure on power it traps 151+ mph 4000lb race weight.

Next to, if not, 1000whp. Very cool.

Also -- did you go in and re-torque the studs 500-1000 miles after the motor was rebuilt?

 

[80FoxCoupe]

Next to, if not, 1000whp. Very cool.

Also -- did you go in and re-torque the studs 500-1000 miles after the motor was rebuilt?

I have heard old school folks doing this. I've had boosted, built engines since 1997 and never once re-tourqued head gaskets. Used oem replacement, graphite and MLS on various engines. It would a pain inbthe ass on a coyote.

Sponsored