Head gasket replacement guidance
October 28th, 2011, 1:25 PM
#1
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Location: San Jose, Commifornia
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Head gasket replacement guidance
I have a '99 Suburban 1500 4x4, 5.7L.
I am 99% positive I have a blown head gasket. I have filled the radiator and reservoir, only to have it all pushed back out. After driving the vehicle I find a puddle of coolant under the car. I have done this multiple times.
So I am looking for a little guidance on fixing this. I cannot afford $1800 - $2000 for a mechanic to fix it. Family needs to eat.
I have the OEM Helm manuals, so taking it apart should be easy. I just want to make sure I don't mess something up.
I know I need to replace:
Head bolts
Head gaskets
Intake manifold gaskets
Exhaust manifold gaskets
Throttle body gasket
Things I need to do:
Have the heads machined
Chase the head bolt threads with a tap
Copper spray the head gaskets before install
Is there anything I am missing or should replace as well?
Is there anything I should look out for?
Any help is GREAT! I don't need to mess this up. I need my Suburban to tow me to the race track next year without issue.
Thanks, Christian
I am 99% positive I have a blown head gasket. I have filled the radiator and reservoir, only to have it all pushed back out. After driving the vehicle I find a puddle of coolant under the car. I have done this multiple times.
So I am looking for a little guidance on fixing this. I cannot afford $1800 - $2000 for a mechanic to fix it. Family needs to eat.
I have the OEM Helm manuals, so taking it apart should be easy. I just want to make sure I don't mess something up.
I know I need to replace:
Head bolts
Head gaskets
Intake manifold gaskets
Exhaust manifold gaskets
Throttle body gasket
Things I need to do:
Have the heads machined
Chase the head bolt threads with a tap
Copper spray the head gaskets before install
Is there anything I am missing or should replace as well?
Is there anything I should look out for?
Any help is GREAT! I don't need to mess this up. I need my Suburban to tow me to the race track next year without issue.
Thanks, Christian
October 28th, 2011, 1:55 PM
#2
Administrator
Welcome to the forum.
Index/mark the distributor before you remove it and don't rotate the crank.
Lube any bolts you plan to torque.
Might consider new head bolts. ARPs are good.
Grease your chase tap to minimize crud falling into engine.
Use a good RTV sealant for the front and rear intake surfaces instead of the rubber gaskets. They tend to leak.
Good luck. Let us know how it goes.
What are you racing?
Index/mark the distributor before you remove it and don't rotate the crank.
Lube any bolts you plan to torque.
Might consider new head bolts. ARPs are good.
Grease your chase tap to minimize crud falling into engine.
Use a good RTV sealant for the front and rear intake surfaces instead of the rubber gaskets. They tend to leak.
Good luck. Let us know how it goes.
What are you racing?
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