Re: Head Gasket Questions

Posted by Steve Mackinnon On 2009/4/26 20:08:48

Ken, I have seen your detail work posted before and I am surprised you did not hand wax each washer prior to installation! If I ever get my car half as nice as yours I will be very happy indeed. I do have to decide on whether to paint the head or not at this point, the restoration is around 10 years old, and the engine compartment is very presentable but not show. I just wonder if it would look better if things sort of match or not, as it still looks pretty good. I will detail all the paintwork while things are apart - clean and wax the firewall, horns, etc.

Just a quick comment, Tom's idea about the clamps made the job 100% easier. I had a helper, we had elaborate plans but just ended up lifting the head, he held it for a minute while I walked around to his side and we moved it to my bench. Literally a 60 second task.

Things look good in there, although I am contemplating leaving head alone other than a check for flatness as it had what looks to me like a cheaper aftermarket gasket on it; telling me that the head has been off before. It was VERY easy to unbolt, so I wonder if there was enough torque there.

Will miss Rhinebeck, NY, a big show up here I really wanted to get to next weekend, but will make our Memorial day parade at least!