swathdiver
Full Access Member
Awesome, thanks!
Head gasket replacement checklist
- Thread starter Matahoe
- Start date
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Awesome, thanks!
OP
OP
Matahoe
Full Access Member
Yes but what could the difference be? The only thing I can think of is the addition of AFM/DOD in 2009 and above engine. They should both fit. The later valve cover is half the price! I am tempted to buy both from the dealer and compare.
swathdiver
Full Access Member
I think the difference lies in the size of the hose fitting coming out of the valve cover.
OP
OP
Matahoe
Full Access Member
Got done cleaning all the valves and rebuilding the lifters. The washed out area on the passenger head that looked suspicious seems to be a crack. I used a two part red penetrant and developer. I had to edit/highlight the crack because I sprayed too much developer and it covered it up.
This is all preliminary checking and I still want to pressure wash the head today and redo the developer test. Still wondering if it is worth having a machine shop do their own tests regardless of what i find? At this point I am tempted to just slap on a head gasket, button everything back up and live with it. Although re-torquing the head may result in elongating the crack.
Really looking for ideas here. A new GM cylinder head is $400. thanks.
View attachment 203536 
This is all preliminary checking and I still want to pressure wash the head today and redo the developer test. Still wondering if it is worth having a machine shop do their own tests regardless of what i find? At this point I am tempted to just slap on a head gasket, button everything back up and live with it. Although re-torquing the head may result in elongating the crack.
Really looking for ideas here. A new GM cylinder head is $400. thanks.
View attachment 203536
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Tonyrodz
Resident Resident
I'd look for another head, or even a set. They're plentiful in the yards, unless this is your dd. Or even repair the crack.
randeez
Full Access Member
what did you find when you lifted the heads? head gasket obviously failed?
the updated valve covers just come with an internal baffle to help slung oil stay out of the pcv tube, not sure of outlet size but shouldnt be hard to adapt.
heads??? id say bring it to the machine shop and let them decide, they look at heads all day and would probably have a better idea of what may be acceptable and could prob tell you before doing any thing to it (spending money on it). machine shop may also have a head laying around, check craigslist...i wouldnt buy a new one from gm.
Unless your 110% sure headgasket was your issue, I wouldn't reuse the head, would suck to put it all back together just to have same symptoms all the gaskets, tty bolts, fluids youd have to buy again would have bought a new head
the updated valve covers just come with an internal baffle to help slung oil stay out of the pcv tube, not sure of outlet size but shouldnt be hard to adapt.
heads??? id say bring it to the machine shop and let them decide, they look at heads all day and would probably have a better idea of what may be acceptable and could prob tell you before doing any thing to it (spending money on it). machine shop may also have a head laying around, check craigslist...i wouldnt buy a new one from gm.
Unless your 110% sure headgasket was your issue, I wouldn't reuse the head, would suck to put it all back together just to have same symptoms all the gaskets, tty bolts, fluids youd have to buy again would have bought a new head
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OP
OP
Matahoe
Full Access Member
The local engine shop said they will pressure test it for leaks. The charge would only be $25 if they find a leak. $150 if it's found to be ok. They would then continue to resurface..etc. If I chose...new valve guides and seats would bring it up to $250. My lifters, rockers, valves and Springs are A-ok.
They said they can hook me up with a another one if need be but my concern is that they may be used.
Not sure what Tony was recommending as far as repairing the head. From what I've read online cracks in cast aluminum heads are supposedly irreparable. GM even says to discard the entire head if found to be cracked.
They said they can hook me up with a another one if need be but my concern is that they may be used.
Not sure what Tony was recommending as far as repairing the head. From what I've read online cracks in cast aluminum heads are supposedly irreparable. GM even says to discard the entire head if found to be cracked.
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Tonyrodz
Resident Resident
I've never repaired a cracked head myself, I was just going under the assumption that a cracked aluminum head could be repaired. Depending on how bad the crack is, I don't see that it would be impossible--BUT--if it is cracked, I'd try to buy another head, if possible.
OP
OP
Matahoe
Full Access Member
Definitely not impossible depending on the extent of the damage. A quick google search shows you drill and fill the crack with a screw. Supposedly it stops the progression of the crack.
Advance Auto has a refurbished head for about $230 after core return.
Advance Auto has a refurbished head for about $230 after core return.
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Tonyrodz
Resident Resident
Is that a bare head?
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