cleaning up heads
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New User
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Austin Texas
cleaning up heads
Hi, I just removed the fuel rail from my 88 bronco with 351w. The tips of the fuel injectors are covered with black crud. I am sure the inside of the heads are dirty. Would it be ok for me to remove heads and clean combustion chamber and reinstall with new head gaskets? Would doing this create any new problems??
Thanks
Doug
Thanks
Doug
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2003
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no problems unless you get crud/scrappings in your engine, you'll definitely get antifreeze in the oil. I wouldn't do this unless you have a definite problem, use a good fuel inj. cleaner for a few tankfulls and this will probably do the same thing.
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New User
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Austin Texas
I was only planning on changing out all seals and gaskets to stop the oil leaks. I just got engine out. Oil has been leaking out between the head and block on passenger side. Driver side has so much oil on it I cannot tell if the head was leaking or just valve cover and intake manifold. I am now wondering if I can get away with replacing head gaskets or if I will need to rebuild the motor. I do not want to have to do this again. I can buy a rebuilt 351w from Autozone for $999.00. Wonder what it would cost if I rebuild the motor myself? I dont really have the expertise to make sure engine is rebuilt properly. 
Any suggestions?
Thanks...Doug
Any suggestions?Thanks...Doug
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Joined: Apr 2003
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those engines are bad for leaks between the intake maniflod and the block - but -usually it's antifreeze , more commonly oil leaks in that area are from the valve covers. the rear and front crankshaft seals may be leaking and if they are there may be agroove worn in the crank from the seal and you'll need a sleeve for those areas or the new seals will just start leaking again. If you are tearing the motor apartyou should plastigage the mains and rods and maybe if the tolerances aren't too big you can just use new standard bearings , and a new timing chain and take the cover off the oil pump and see if it's worn or scored and if it is repalce it if not reuse it. Get the heads worked over and you should be back in business, I'm sure I'm over simplifiying but thats the jist.
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By the way when you put the intake back on don't use the little gaskets that go across from side to side on the front and back butr rather use a bead of good silicone about 1/4 in thick and put the manifold on immediately, the gaskets if you use them have a tendency to slip out of place as you tighten the bolts.
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New User
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Austin Texas
How much will it cost me to get the heads worked and rebuild bottom without boring cylinders. I am wondering if it would be more cost effective to just purchase a long block?
Thanks...Doug
Thanks...Doug
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I would never trust a rebuilt long block from Autozone or any of the other retail chains. You have no idea who rebuilt it, or what was done. I've heard stories of only one cylinder bored, etc.
For $999, you can go a long ways toward building the engiine yourself. Use a reputable local machine shop, and have control over everything that is done.
If your engine is only leaking oil, and has no other signs of impending failure like knocks, low oil pressure, excessive blow by, etc. then just freshen it up by replacing all the gaskets and seals.
For $999, you can go a long ways toward building the engiine yourself. Use a reputable local machine shop, and have control over everything that is done.
If your engine is only leaking oil, and has no other signs of impending failure like knocks, low oil pressure, excessive blow by, etc. then just freshen it up by replacing all the gaskets and seals.