Blown head gasket - need help

[Guest Anonymous]

Forgive the non-Z related question but there is no one local that I trust. I have a 83 escort that blew a heater water line, lost its water, over heated and blew a head gasket. Question is do a need to resurface the head before placing the new gasket. I am worried about head being warped. Thanks

[Tim240z]

Yes, you definitely want to have the head at least looked at. More likely than not, it will be warped. It is not very expensive and is worth the effort, unless the head has other issues, which means it might be worthwile getting one from a junk yard, which you would still want to check for straight surface anyway. You can do it yourself with a very straight and square 'ruler' or machinist steel bar and a feeler guage. Not sure of the specs on which thickness feeler gauge to use though, I think it is somewhere around 0.01

Tim

[jimzdat]

Absolutely! If that motor has a aluminum head, and uses a multi-layer-steel (MLS) head gasket, it requires a very finely machined surface on the head to ensure proper sealing. If it has an iron head (doubtful) you still need to get it surfaced.

 

Resurfacing of the head gives you the "insurance" that you now KNOW that you have a good sealing surface, and will give you a hassle-free installation (or as hassle-free as a sideways little 4 banger can get)

[Guest Anonymous]

I replaced about 30 aluminum cylinder heads on the L20 B 4 cylindern Datsun engine and never had one resurfaced. I always laid a good straight edge like a level or big carpenter's square in about every direction on the surface of the cylinder head looking for day light. I never saw any. Always use good quality gaskets and torque to specification in the right sequences very carefully. I never had any problems and one cheap gasket had a water hole in the wrong place that convinced me to use genuine Datsun head gaskets from then on. Always look for other problems such as corrosion especially if your mating aluminum head to cast iron block . they do not like each other.

[Guest Anonymous]

Thanks, I'll take it some place first thing in the morning. You guys are the best!

[Guest Anonymous]

I replaced about 30 aluminum cylinder head gaskets on the L20 B 4 cylindern Datsun engine and never had one resurfaced. I always laid a good straight edge like a level or big carpenter's square in about every direction on the surface of the cylinder head looking for day light. I never saw any. Always use good quality gaskets and torque to specification in the right sequences very carefully. I never had any problems and one cheap gasket had a water hole in the wrong place that convinced me to use genuine Datsun head gaskets from then on. Always look for other problems such as corrosion especially if your mating aluminum head to cast iron block . they do not like each other.

[Guest Anonymous]

Used the straight edge and saw daylight, bummer. I picked up a felpro gasket this morning and a new set of head bolts will be shipped in tomorrow. thanks

[Guest Locutus]

take it to a machine shop, even a warped head can sometimes be resurfaced to true it up.

[Mike C]

The head is warped. I had a friend who made a business out of fixing blown head gaskets and warped escort heads. New gasket and surfacing (if you are lucky and it's not cracked...) and you'll be back on the road.