Jump to content

L16 (521) head gasket?


d.p

Recommended Posts

Ya valve seals won't hurt... would suck if they were leaking and they weren't done and you put it all back together...

Don't know if I'd recommend power washing it.... might be easiest to bring it to the shop as it sits and let them deal with cleaning it... they can fully disassemble then clean properly... my shop had a hot tank to clean blocks and heads....

Link to comment
  • Replies 164
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

Top Posters In This Topic

Well does it need rebuilding? If in good shape, maybe clean and throw new seals on it. A shop will just tell you it needs new everything and charge you if it needs it or not.

 

A rebuild will be new seats (possibly new valves) and guides, valve seals, cleaning and I'm sure they will insist that it be milled flat. Just saying..

Link to comment

I had an old boss that would make me do exactly what the customer asks for whether they were right or wrong about the fix... I tell him this isn't gonna fix the problem... he'd tell me the customer wants part "a" replaced so do it.. i would tell him but the problem is part "b"... he would respond I guess he'll be back for part "b" later.... i quit that place.. shady business...

  • Like 1
Link to comment

Yeah they (he really) is considered the best around town.  Man I wouldnt feel comfortable driving anywhere near that distance in my truck, too afraid it would break down and I would be stranded.   :(  I guess I am just accustomed to new super reliable cars.   

Link to comment

And that good to hear about the shop. you should be fine.... one thing I never cheap out on is my machine shop...

Funny side not.... the machine shop I use has no sign showing where they are located and they don't need it... word of mouth keeps them beyond busy. best in the state in my opinion....

Also doesn't hurt that they are located behind a porn shop.... everyone knows where that is.... all I have to do is say go around the back side (no pun intended)

Link to comment

Dropped it off today 300 to inspect, clean, replace valve seals and mill it if needed. i asked to make sure the cam went back in the same spot as well as the rockers. He said he couldn't get the cam exactly where it was but will make it as close as possible.

Link to comment

With the head off. Rent a valve compressor tool and take the valve spring off. Pry the old seals up and off the valve stem. Push the new one on. Put valve spring back on. Grease or oil them so they don't tear and start up dry. Do the next.

  • Like 1
Link to comment

It is all pretty easy as mike stated .... just take your time and stay organized... the only real reason for the machine shop is if it needed to be milled flat or the valves seats needed attention .. but you never over heated or actually blew the head gasket... so chances are you should be ok..

 

The first valve is fun to figure out the spring compressor, but each one after that becomes easier....

If you wanna be thorough you can check for flatness with a straight edge and a feeler gauge....

And also I believes there's a way to check that the valves create a good seal... you could do this after you remove the cam and rockers. So all valves would be closed...

Not sure what to use for a fluid but with the plugs in and the valves closed you should be able to fill up the combustion chamber with a fluid and see if anything leaks....

Link to comment

You can clean the head yourself with a power washer. Even a car wash sprayer will work. This will remove the caked on grit. Take home an soak in a laundry tub with lots of detergent and HOT water or a pail and do half at a time. Get bristly scrub brushes. I cleaned a KA head by submerging in hot water and a can of Draino. Weak sodium hydroxide (lye) solution. Need gloves and goggles and don't leave in longer than needed to get it clean. Rinse thoroughly.   

 

Cam does not need to come out to remove the valve springs to replace the valve seals.

 

With the springs out,, you can pop the valve out and inspect the face and seat. 

 

With a true straight edge placed across the head lengthwise in several places... if you can slip a 0.002" feeler gauge under it at any place...  the head should be milled.

  • Like 1
Link to comment

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.