got the nerves up !!!!
 

Well, I finally worked up the nerve to pull the leaky head off !!! was not that bad.....

what i found, leak was in the front as you can see
http://jlefantephoto.smugmug.com/Mac...37_n7A54-M.jpg

carbon !!!!!
http://jlefantephoto.smugmug.com/Mac...97_gKCWX-M.jpg

dirty head
http://jlefantephoto.smugmug.com/Mac...21_VSQpf-M.jpg

head gettin clean, I have to get a piece of glass tomorrow and try the sandpaper trick.
http://jlefantephoto.smugmug.com/Mac...60_EWpwo-L.jpg

there was alot of carbon on top of the larger valve and the smaller one was white in color, cleaned them up as well. What should i clean the surface with so the head gasket seals right ?
http://jlefantephoto.smugmug.com/Mac...94_bTvh9-M.jpg

rest for the night
http://jlefantephoto.smugmug.com/Mac...20_DRrsD-L.jpg

I typically wipe down the gasket mating surface with mineral spirits to remove anything loose that wasn't scraped off, and then I squirt a bit of oil around the edge of the piston to replace any oil that excess mineral spirits may have washed away. I have also used brake cleaner, as it will dissolve carbon deposits (and LOTS of other things...be careful! The fumes are nasty and you don't want to get any of that in the rings, either).

Very good Jason,
I knew you could do it.
I just use lacquer thinner to prep before I put on the head gasket.

thanks
 

Thanks matt, should i use some fine sand paper to go over the block? just want to make sure its clean enough. i can tell this was all off before, there was some antiseize on the bolts and they all came out very easy. I think i will clean them off since they were in great shape.

ha ha
 

the funny thing is i was very intimidated doing this, but I have changed head gaskets in my old mustang before ha ha......this is much faster haha.

I would not use sandpaper, as you'll just get sand in the bore, rings, valve guides, etc...not good.

so basically just clean it up with some mineral spirts and be on my way?

Yeah, and maybe a scotch-brite pad if you're careful...those leave a residue too. It doesn't really have to be surgically clean. I usually scrape off as much crap as I can with a razor blade and then wipe everything down with mineral spirits.

i actually used a scotch brite pad with a little brake clean on it. worked good
i will put a little oil around the piston before i reasemble it. should there only be 1 washer on each of the head bolts? the bolts, not the studs....

Over the years I have seen well meaning folks use scotch bright pads to excess and cause problems.
There are newer auto engines that have a spec on head/block surfaces so the gasket doesn’t creep/leak.
I would just make sure that the block is clean, and the head is flat.
When using the emery cloth/glass method, use a figure "8" movement pattern and keep turning the head so you get a even surface with your hand.
You say a few bolts were not as tight as the others, make sure you re torque the head after a good warm up/cool down cycle.

Great
 

Thanks George. Good advise there. The block cleaned up well. I guess I should dump the oil and replace before I start the motor?

Jay, one tip I have used and had good success is to use Permatex Copper Coat spray on the head gasket prior to installation. It helps seal off any imperfections that may cause a leak in the future. Two thin coats is all you need. On the down side, it is kinda pricey, but it works.

I also have used the spray copper coat a couple of times with a questionable surface & had no problems, I just can't say if it would of worked or not worked without using it.

Here is the correct torque pattern and intructions for cheacking the heads flatness.

head gasket change
 

Make sure when you start reassembling the head bolts that you put a small squit of vegtable oil on the threads. Then torque in sequence. Seems to hold torque a lot better.

cleaned up and on
 

Ok, grabbed a piece of glass off a table at home, Shhhhhhhh! dont tell the wife, and got the recomended sand paper as per MattG, thanks Matt!!!!!
http://jlefantephoto.smugmug.com/Mac...11_Yyg7e-L.jpg

Yay, finally after a few sheets and some sore arms, it was all nice and even. It had some high spots and where it started leaking it was off in that area.

So I cleaned the threads up and put the new gasket on, mounted Mr. Straight Head. I bought new Grade 8 bolts and new grade 8 nuts for the studs.....I was just too lazy to wire wheel everything he he. Here she is.

http://jlefantephoto.smugmug.com/Mac...26_8StbK-L.jpg

http://jlefantephoto.smugmug.com/Mac...63_cgQaA-L.jpg

http://jlefantephoto.smugmug.com/Mac...09_fuMkJ-L.jpg

Well here is the funny !!!! As I go get my torque wernch out, I dont have a 9/16 deep socket to fit it ha ha doh !!!!!

Nice work!
 

That's funny, yesterday I ran into the same issue, needed a deep 3/4" socket so I had to run out and buy one:biggrin2.gif:

lol
 

glad i am not the only one !!!! ha ha

That is why I do not call myself a "MECHANIC".
They own tools for every job!!!;)
Looks like a nice job on the resurface there JaysNJcub127!!!!!

it happened to me too. the 9/16 deep socket... keep accumulating things in addition to the cubs!

It's alive !!!!!!
 

She is Alive !!! I fired it up, and it ran well. I moved the idle up from like 3/4 to low a few times and let it run a bit until there was good heat in it !! took it all back apart and will go over the head bolts in the am again !!! Then button it up !!!!!

That's awesome, Jay! Congrats on a job well done. :beerchug:

thanks
 

Thanks man !!! I am happy i tackled it myself. Saving money and learning something. This will help me when I look for another. I will not be scared to get something that needs a head gasket !!! Great learning experience !!!

Done !!!!!!
 

well went back over the head bolts and they are all set !!! and put her all back together. !!!!! Will run her again later !!!

Rich
 

So I ran it before but smells like it's running rich. Plus when I throttle it up I get a little puff out of the exhaust. I think the carb needs a adjustment now that the head is sealed up good and making full compression. I have to do this tomorrow since I need to do it outside. Wife was mad I got fumes in the house haha.

Great job on the gasket replacement and clean up! :ThumbsUp: LOVE the tires on that beast....can't wait to see it in action doing some work. Hopefully you get the carb adjusted up right and can enjoy all your hard work. :beerchug:

I messed with it today again, and I got it pretty smooth. I get a surge like once and awhile, very slightly, and it gives a little puff of smoke. It still smells rich. When I throttle up, I get a little puff also. It never did this before the headgasket job. I am thinking that the breather needs to be taken out and cleaned, there is some oil residue there and had a little smoke come out of it. If its not that, I am going to perform a compression and leak down test to see whats up. I did just pick up a 105 with a good running motor I could swap in there for the time being if its a problem.

Tires
 

hey MH, here is a pic just for you. Matt is gonna yell for me puttin tire pic up LOL

http://jlefantephoto.smugmug.com/Mac...38_6gChT-L.jpg

Congrat's
 

Feels good to do something you've never done before and do it successfully, at least for me. That is one of the main reasons for having the Yellow Fever.

That 127 is looking mighty fine:IH Trusted Hand:

Yep
 

It does feel good. I just hope the motor is ok. I mean it's running good. Just a little rich and a puff here and there.