Head Gasket already?

[DarrenG]

This is a little frustrating. After spending 6 months on a complete rebuild (see the dropped valve seat article) on my ebay special, I put about 350 miles on it - ran great, then heard a noise, then stalled, then started & blew white smoke. Pulled it apart and found a busted head gasket.

Any ideas or suggestions?

Also, I found an old article suggesting head gaskets should be skipped. Is this still the prevailing school of thought?

thanks

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

Yes, that seems to be the popular consensus. Leave out the gaskets, lap the cylinders to the heads.

--DD

[DarrenG]

Cylinders are lapped.

Do I use any sealant between the head gasket and the heads?

Thanks!

[Sirius Driver]

interesting, I'm just getting back into T4's and I find it interesting that this is what works best.

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

I don't think sealant is recommended at the cylinder/head joint. Very few of the sealants out there can hold up to the heat anyway...

--DD

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

I don't think sealant is recommended at the cylinder/head joint. Very few of the sealants out there can hold up to the heat anyway...

--DD