351W Needs Head Gasket
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Cargo Master
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 3,007
Likes: 5
351W Needs Head Gasket
My engine has developed a leaking head gasket. I'm of the mind to just take the engine out, take the heads off, put new head gaskets on, and button it back up with a spray can paint job.
Why is this a really bad idea and a waste of time?
Why is this a really bad idea and a waste of time?
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,071
Likes: 36
From: British Columbia
"Why is this a really bad idea and a waste of time?"
Well the removing the engine part could be time wasted. Just removing and replacing the heads with the engine remaining in place might be preferable.
When the heads are out, perhaps take out the exhaust valves and see if they're loose in the guides or the seats and faces poor. If so, a valve grind at this time might be wise.
Well the removing the engine part could be time wasted. Just removing and replacing the heads with the engine remaining in place might be preferable.
When the heads are out, perhaps take out the exhaust valves and see if they're loose in the guides or the seats and faces poor. If so, a valve grind at this time might be wise.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
What kind of miles on this motor? If it's quite a bit then just take the top end off the motor and do as you say to get her running again, then find another motor to rebuild from the ground up at your leisure.
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Cargo Master
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 3,007
Likes: 5
There's quite a few miles on it. I imagine that being a 1978 it could have over 170,000. I expect to find all kinds of things that are out of spec, timing chain, bore taper, sloppy valves, but I'm thinking that I could get another 20,000 miles out of this engine with a cheap re-gasket job.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
Agreed. Something else to consider though, the newer motors have better cams, better heads, and more compression than that smog motor so even a low milage used motor from a mid 90's truck would be a decent upgrade. Take this route if you go through the trouble of pulling yours completely out. One of these would also make a better platform for a buildup, it doesn't cost any more to build a 300hp motor than it does to build one that only meets stock output.
