another tip
Posted: Mon Dec 22, 2003 10:51 pm
If the head bolt holes pass through to the water jacket, instead of oil use teflon pipe dope (liquid - not tape!) on the threads. I've rebuilt a few engines, and I was given this tip by an auto mechanic friend. You'll never have a problem with fluid leaking into the head, and the threads don't get crusty & come out nicely if you ever have to take it apart again.
I coat all my gaskets with anti-seize. Messy, but they seal fine & don't stick when you take things apart.
Never re-use a head gasket. (my $0.02) I would also recommend using new bolts every time you bolt the head on. Torque in steps. 15, then 30, then 40, then 45 ft/lbs. Follow the same pattern each time.
Poor-man's magnaflux leak/crack checker:
- Clean block surface with brake cleaner
- Spray with #2 fuel oil (diesel works but fuel oil has red dye in it)
- Allow to soak for a while.
- Wipe clean w/rag dampened with brake cleaner
- put some corn starch in a piece of cheese cloth, and pat over surface. Coat with a thin layer of corn starch.
If you have a crack, the corn starch will pull the fuel oil out of the crack, and it will turn it red.
Hhmm, come to think of it I can't remember - was it corn starch, or talcum powder? Anyway, I suppose either would work.
I coat all my gaskets with anti-seize. Messy, but they seal fine & don't stick when you take things apart.
Never re-use a head gasket. (my $0.02) I would also recommend using new bolts every time you bolt the head on. Torque in steps. 15, then 30, then 40, then 45 ft/lbs. Follow the same pattern each time.
Poor-man's magnaflux leak/crack checker:
- Clean block surface with brake cleaner
- Spray with #2 fuel oil (diesel works but fuel oil has red dye in it)
- Allow to soak for a while.
- Wipe clean w/rag dampened with brake cleaner
- put some corn starch in a piece of cheese cloth, and pat over surface. Coat with a thin layer of corn starch.
If you have a crack, the corn starch will pull the fuel oil out of the crack, and it will turn it red.
Hhmm, come to think of it I can't remember - was it corn starch, or talcum powder? Anyway, I suppose either would work.