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Blown head gasket
Blown head gasket
Hi guys,
I recently purchased an ET for $800 which had a hole in the radiator. It blew a bit of white smoke which the previous owner said was due to needing new valve stem seals. Anyway it turned out when I fixed the radiator hole that the car started to overheat all the time. I know I should have checked the oil and water for a possible faulty head gasket but I didnt. There seems to be white froth under the oil cap. Would this mean its the head gasket?
I picked up a new head gasket for it anyway and am now in the process of getting into taking the head off. Is there anyway to know if machining the head is absolutely necessary. I'm trying to get out of this as cheaply as possible as you can tell. But on the other hand I was quoted $275 for a machine, light port and polish and valve grind and reseat which is mighty attractive. Should I wait until I can afford the whole hog?
I recently purchased an ET for $800 which had a hole in the radiator. It blew a bit of white smoke which the previous owner said was due to needing new valve stem seals. Anyway it turned out when I fixed the radiator hole that the car started to overheat all the time. I know I should have checked the oil and water for a possible faulty head gasket but I didnt. There seems to be white froth under the oil cap. Would this mean its the head gasket?
I picked up a new head gasket for it anyway and am now in the process of getting into taking the head off. Is there anyway to know if machining the head is absolutely necessary. I'm trying to get out of this as cheaply as possible as you can tell. But on the other hand I was quoted $275 for a machine, light port and polish and valve grind and reseat which is mighty attractive. Should I wait until I can afford the whole hog?
- The Renegade
- Administrator
- Posts: 3002
- Joined: Tue Jul 04, 2006 7:22 pm
- Location: Telegraph Point - N.S.W. Mid North Coast
The white crap in your oil cap points to a head gasket, or possibly a cracked head (but you'd have to be mighty unlucky)
I'd get the head machined just to be sure, and $275 for all that sounds pretty good.
I'd save up and get it done.
P.S. I'd nearly bet my lefty that it's the head gasket, you'll know once the head is off because you'll be able to see where it's stuffed.
I'd get the head machined just to be sure, and $275 for all that sounds pretty good.
I'd save up and get it done.
P.S. I'd nearly bet my lefty that it's the head gasket, you'll know once the head is off because you'll be able to see where it's stuffed.
whats the best way to clean the head once its off? to make it look all shiny. i'm planning on polishing my rocker cover but itd be heaps cool to have the head polished as well or at least cleanThe Renegade wrote:The white crap in your oil cap points to a head gasket, or possibly a cracked head (but you'd have to be mighty unlucky)
I'd get the head machined just to be sure, and $275 for all that sounds pretty good.
I'd save up and get it done.
P.S. I'd nearly bet my lefty that it's the head gasket, you'll know once the head is off because you'll be able to see where it's stuffed.
Blown Head gasket
This is a blown head gasket for sure. At $275 to get it done properly and some, I'd save up and do it. There is nothing worse then doing a half assed job only to have to turn around and do it again later on . Once it's done, you won't have to worry about it later. To clean the head, if you've got a parts washer, kero is great but brake cleaner is also good.
Cameron
Cameron
- The Renegade
- Administrator
- Posts: 3002
- Joined: Tue Jul 04, 2006 7:22 pm
- Location: Telegraph Point - N.S.W. Mid North Coast
[quote="refsta"]angel: how about if i use a steel ruler to see if the deck is perfectly straight?
otherwise 50 doesnt sound bad at all.
a ruler and your eye isn't accurate enough in my opinion. Its just not worth the risk of blowing another gasket, get it done right the first time mate you wont regret it.
good luck
otherwise 50 doesnt sound bad at all.
a ruler and your eye isn't accurate enough in my opinion. Its just not worth the risk of blowing another gasket, get it done right the first time mate you wont regret it.
good luck
the guy at the radiator place said its the head gasket for sure. the radiator coolant smells like exhaust fumes. must be head gasket.khalid wrote:that white shit on you cap might be a buildup of condensation. do a pressure test first. it might just be a thurmostate
ive also been thinking about regrinding the cam while i have the head off. i'd just be getting a light port and valve grind. would a stage 2 came be ok for this and where do i find the specs for that?