Hi Hal,
Retorque is always in order after at least a half dozen hot cold cycles of
the engine. Retorque is also done with a back off on the nut at least a 1/4
turn and then redo to the specs. Rocker arm clearance should also be
rechecked after this.
I've had no problems with the copper gaskets but I do a couple of things
differently. I spray cote with a high tack adhesive the head and block.
When it's set a bit then on goes the gasket and head and torque it down in
stages. Do about 25 lbs. ft, let set an hour or so, then another 10 or 15
lbs. ft, set another hour or so then do the final 50 lbs. ft on the 1275
studs. They have the drill point on them.
The glue bit I learned way too many years ago from some Mini guys. It
solved the problem of coolant leakage at high RPM's near the generator area.
Doing the torque in stages I learned from the days of flat head Ford cyl
heads. They were a REAL pain!
Hope this helps some, but I don't think you've mentioned what engine size
you're using.
I'd use a thermostat over a blanking sleeve anytime for a street car. I'd
also put the heat probe in the cyl head if you're running a 1098 or 1275.
The radiator location is the pits. Don't need to tell you that, though!!
Best, Paul A
----- Original Message -----
From: "Hal Faulkner" <hal@katemuir.com>
To: "Spridgets" <spridgets@autox.team.net>
Sent: Friday, May 05, 2006 8:59 AM
Subject: Overheating reprise
> Pulled the head on FROG AYE yesterday, after checking the compression
55lbs
> on cyls 1&2, 150+ on 3&4. When I had the compression tester in either #1
or
> #2 and spun the engine, it made a distinct "chuffing" sound, as in "dead
> chuffed." Sure enough the head gasket was blown between 1&2. The machine
> shop had my head magnafluxed and surfaced by quittiing time yesterday. If
I
> can source a head gasket locally, I'll be back on the road before the
> weekend is over!
> No response to my earlier post about using a blanking sleeve in lieu of a
> thermostat, so I guess I'll just drop in the 165 degree thermostat I have.
>
> Upon closer inspection, the gasket was about to go between #3&4 cyls also.
> Either it got much hotter than I thought, or? Should have re-torqued the
> head again after about 500 miles. What is the collective wisdom with
> respect to copper head gaskets?
>
> Hal
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