Headgasket question?

joebuffalo · 10-17-2005, 10:54 PM

I have a 1989 w/7Mgte turbo motor. I just re worked the whole motor about 18.000 miles ago....complete overhaul including head rework. (stock head gasket new bolts but only torqued to 58 ft lbs) Recently I have been losing engine coolant and running rough. I pulled the top end off and found a broken insulator on #6 plug. We did a compression check and all cylinders checked between 115-120. replaced the plug and re-torqued head bolts again only to 58 ft lbs. Only 3 head bolts (around #6 moved at all and then only slightly) We also found a small leak on the little cooling hose under the thermostat housing. Engine runs smoth now but I still seem to be losing engine coolant and running a little hot. Thermostat replaced no change.I don't see any white steam in the exhaust but can feel a little moisture. Is it possible that I am leaking a small amount by the headgasket? If so does anybody think re-torqing the head to 72 lbs will help? (just discovered this forum and all the great helpful info yesterday!!) Is there any way to tell for sure if the gasket has blown again?

suprra_girl · 10-20-2005, 10:00 AM

bolts should have been torqued to 72ft lbs initially not 58

go to your local mechanic and get a block check done...
your cyl compression #'s are not very good... when did you do your check.. cold or warm?

joebuffalo · 10-20-2005, 01:58 PM

Thanks Supragirl!. I know NOW about the 72 ft lbs on the head. (A little late unfortunately!) The compression check was done after the car had sat about an hour or so and then whatever time to take everything off to get to the plugs.

What exactly do you mean by getting a block check?

mrnickleye · 10-20-2005, 11:51 PM

The mechanic will use a special chemical and testing apperatus to test the cooling system for combustion chamber gasses leaking into the coolant.

In our cars, this will most likely mean a BHG. Usually not a cracked head. Most heads can be cleaned up and resurfaced and reused.

Also, I almost missed this thread. You should ask questions on the model specific, or general section of the forum.

joebuffalo · 10-21-2005, 01:46 PM

Thanks Mr. nickleye. I am a newbie to the forum. I assure you I will do better next time!! Thanks for the response.

10-17-2005, 10:54 PM	#1
joebuffalo Stock Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: memphis Posts: 17	Headgasket question? I have a 1989 w/7Mgte turbo motor. I just re worked the whole motor about 18.000 miles ago....complete overhaul including head rework. (stock head gasket new bolts but only torqued to 58 ft lbs) Recently I have been losing engine coolant and running rough. I pulled the top end off and found a broken insulator on #6 plug. We did a compression check and all cylinders checked between 115-120. replaced the plug and re-torqued head bolts again only to 58 ft lbs. Only 3 head bolts (around #6 moved at all and then only slightly) We also found a small leak on the little cooling hose under the thermostat housing. Engine runs smoth now but I still seem to be losing engine coolant and running a little hot. Thermostat replaced no change.I don't see any white steam in the exhaust but can feel a little moisture. Is it possible that I am leaking a small amount by the headgasket? If so does anybody think re-torqing the head to 72 lbs will help? (just discovered this forum and all the great helpful info yesterday!!) Is there any way to tell for sure if the gasket has blown again?

10-20-2005, 10:00 AM	#2
suprra_girl 7M POWAH! ;) Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: New Zealand Posts: 2,312	bolts should have been torqued to 72ft lbs initially not 58 go to your local mechanic and get a block check done... your cyl compression #'s are not very good... when did you do your check.. cold or warm? __________________ Please use the forum to ask your questions as they will get replied to much faster than pming me Pics of my build. "Good girls are just bad girls that don't get caught" Do a diagnostic first!

10-20-2005, 11:51 PM	#4
mrnickleye 1000whp postwhore Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Mojave Desert, Calif. Posts: 1,705	The mechanic will use a special chemical and testing apperatus to test the cooling system for combustion chamber gasses leaking into the coolant. In our cars, this will most likely mean a BHG. Usually not a cracked head. Most heads can be cleaned up and resurfaced and reused. Also, I almost missed this thread. You should ask questions on the model specific, or general section of the forum. Last edited by mrnickleye; 10-21-2005 at 12:02 AM.

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10-20-2005, 01:58 PM	#3
joebuffalo Stock Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: memphis Posts: 17	Thanks Supragirl!. I know NOW about the 72 ft lbs on the head. (A little late unfortunately!) The compression check was done after the car had sat about an hour or so and then whatever time to take everything off to get to the plugs. What exactly do you mean by getting a block check?

10-21-2005, 01:46 PM	#5
joebuffalo Stock Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: memphis Posts: 17	Thanks Mr. nickleye. I am a newbie to the forum. I assure you I will do better next time!! Thanks for the response.