Replacing the head gasket this weekend, tips/suggestions?

[Anonymous]

Well guys, I'm replacing my .55 Fel-pro head gasket this weekend with a gasket that I got from William (.36-.38). The head gasket installation is pretty easy, I'm just looking for some ideas...

The engine is freshly rebuilt, with about 3000 miles on it. Should I look inside the combustion chambers and inside the cylinders for wear or carbon buildup? Maybe this could help me make a diagnosis and tell whether my engine is lean or rich, and running well. Also, should I clean out the chambers or tops of the cylinders while I am in there?

Any tips you can give me would help tremondously. Thanks for all your help.

Michael

 

[Anonymous]

I forget, what happened that a 3000 mile engine needs a head gasket? refresh my memory

what was the CAUSE....so im 3000 more mile syou dont have to do it again...

 

[jahearne]

I read somewhere, Falcon Performance Guide or on this forum, where you cut the heads off a couple of headbolts and slot them for a screwdriver. You can use those as a guide for lining the head onto the block and the gasket won't move around.

I also used a flat stone for sharping knives to carefully clean up the surfaces of the block & head. It just takes it one better than a gasket scrapper.

And don't forget the cold beer.

 

[Anonymous]

No cause, I simply want more compression out of my old six. I had planned on using a gasket like the one I am installing now, but I simply didnt have the time to get it ordered before, so I just put on the one I already had.

Thanks for your imput.

 

[JackFish]

I'm curious to know what buttometer tells you after this swap.

 

[powerband]

I always scrape the old gasket and clean the piston while holding a shop vac nozzle in the other hand so anything loose goes away rather tahn down the sides of the pistons. Also a shop vac can suck out any anti-freeze that winds up in the cylinder when opening.

PS: What brand gasket is it and are they available?.

Powerband 8)

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[Lazy JW]

There better hadn't be any carbon buildup at 3K The suggestions above are all good. Drain the coolant first
Joe