Blown Head Gasket Symptoms!

carfanatic89 · 05-22-2007, 07:43 PM

Im about to replace my BHG and I was wondering if the block is warped (IDK if that can happen) would I have to take my engine out to get the block machined? How much does it normally cost to get the head machined?

chash360 · 05-22-2007, 11:19 PM

More often the head will warp before the block (I assume it is a 7MGTE or 7MGE with the cast Iron Block and Aluminum Head). Having the head resurfaced is usually a good idea, and not too expensive, especially if it has really over heated when the gasket blew. Resurfacing can also increase your compression slightly, be sure to observe proper torque and tightening sequence, improper head bolt torque causes head warping probably more often than anything else. If you have a turbo and do shave the head for increased compression (not just for the resurface) I highly recommend you get an ARP Head bolt kit to re-install with.

I have never had to resurface the block but there is a first time for everything. Check it with a good flat edge (a good metal carpenters level is usually sufficient), if you can pass a razor blade under it anywhere, it needs work. (a real shaving razor blade not a box cutter blade, if you get a box cutter blade under it its really bad)

I have never done just the head resurface, the last one I did was with a valve job (Pressure Test, Valves and seats polished, new seals and springs, and resurface) for about $460 at a NAPA machine shop.

carfanatic89 · 05-29-2007, 06:57 PM

When I go to clean the gasket material off the block how do I keep it from going into the holes in the block and the piston chamber. I know you can put rags in them but that isnt going to keep all the crap from getting in there. Also if you clean the piston heads (im going to) whats the best sovlent to use or can I just wipe it off (i have never worked on a head or pistons before).

supramacist · 05-29-2007, 08:27 PM

I stuck cotton balls into all of the openings in the block and used a tri-folded towel inside the cylinder sleeves. There's no way to get all of that carbon scouring gone. Time, patience and elbow grease.

05-22-2007, 11:19 PM	#2
chash360 Stock Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Oregon Posts: 14	Warpage More often the head will warp before the block (I assume it is a 7MGTE or 7MGE with the cast Iron Block and Aluminum Head). Having the head resurfaced is usually a good idea, and not too expensive, especially if it has really over heated when the gasket blew. Resurfacing can also increase your compression slightly, be sure to observe proper torque and tightening sequence, improper head bolt torque causes head warping probably more often than anything else. If you have a turbo and do shave the head for increased compression (not just for the resurface) I highly recommend you get an ARP Head bolt kit to re-install with. I have never had to resurface the block but there is a first time for everything. Check it with a good flat edge (a good metal carpenters level is usually sufficient), if you can pass a razor blade under it anywhere, it needs work. (a real shaving razor blade not a box cutter blade, if you get a box cutter blade under it its really bad) I have never done just the head resurface, the last one I did was with a valve job (Pressure Test, Valves and seats polished, new seals and springs, and resurface) for about $460 at a NAPA machine shop. Last edited by chash360; 05-22-2007 at 11:30 PM.

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05-22-2007, 07:43 PM	#1
carfanatic89 3" Exhaust Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Waco Posts: 164	Im about to replace my BHG and I was wondering if the block is warped (IDK if that can happen) would I have to take my engine out to get the block machined? How much does it normally cost to get the head machined?

05-29-2007, 06:57 PM	#3
carfanatic89 3" Exhaust Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Waco Posts: 164	When I go to clean the gasket material off the block how do I keep it from going into the holes in the block and the piston chamber. I know you can put rags in them but that isnt going to keep all the crap from getting in there. Also if you clean the piston heads (im going to) whats the best sovlent to use or can I just wipe it off (i have never worked on a head or pistons before).

05-29-2007, 08:27 PM	#4
supramacist 1000whp postwhore Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Escape from the Prison Planet Posts: 1,356	I stuck cotton balls into all of the openings in the block and used a tri-folded towel inside the cylinder sleeves. There's no way to get all of that carbon scouring gone. Time, patience and elbow grease.