Mark siebenaler 88 #1 Posted November 13 Why do the seem to always go bad Is it because of old age or heads are out of flatness? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AlexR 629 #2 Posted November 13 8 minutes ago, Mark siebenaler said: Why do the seem to always go bad Is it because of old age or heads are out of flatness? There can be a variety of reasons, but yes I think the most common would be the head not being flat and the other being not being torqued down properly with a heat cycle and retorque. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wallfish 17,023 #3 Posted November 13 Some background info would certainly help! Multiple gaskets on the same engine? Multiple engines with the same problem? What kind of engine(s)? Is there recent work done and new head gaskets now? Are the bolts torqued correctly? Etc Etc. Vague questions can only receive vague answers. Please elaborate on the problem 1 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 62,945 #4 Posted November 13 It always helps to plane your head and check for flatness with feeler gauges before assembling. Lots of threads on here about head work. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 41,171 #5 Posted November 13 Some folks say it's a waste of money but I replace the head bolts every time. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ri702bill 8,387 #6 Posted November 13 10 hours ago, AlexR said: There can be a variety of reasons, but yes I think the most common would be the head not being flat and the other being not being torqued down properly with a heat cycle and retorque. I cannot stress the importance of following thru as many heat cycles AS NEEDED to attain the desired torque value with the engine cold once a new head gasket is installed. I did one on a 6 HP Tecumseh that required 7 cycles.... Question - when you take it apart, do the head bolts break free really easy?? If so, they were NOT "properly" torqued.... 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
elcamino/wheelhorse 9,327 #7 Posted November 13 1 hour ago, squonk said: Some folks say it's a waste of money but I replace the head bolts every time. How about the bolts in your neck ? 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 41,171 #8 Posted November 13 1 hour ago, elcamino/wheelhorse said: How about the bolts in your neck ? They don't loosen up you boob! 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
elcamino/wheelhorse 9,327 #9 Posted November 13 @squonk What holds your ears on that pumpkin size head ? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 48,853 #10 Posted November 14 On 11/12/2024 at 8:00 PM, AlexR said: There can be a variety of reasons, but yes I think the most common would be the head not being flat and the other being not being torqued down properly with a heat cycle and retorque. ... and not using the "fire ring" gaskets ... on big blocks anyway. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
