i am doing a leak-down test today but i am pretty sure i need a new head gasket.
little background: car runs fine and holds great oil pressure. i am not trying to build a hot rod or anything just put it back together as a nice driver.
ok, so past that it always seems i do work and then get better suggestions or find out there is a better way to do something. So i thought i would ask for some input before i get started. Since everything is running fine i do not plan to pull the engine. but while i have the head off, i figure i may as well put in new valves, seats, springs, guides, etc.
i also have a small oil leak at the front so figure i may as well pull the timing cover and replace the oil seal. then while in there, check the chain, etc.
i have been starting some research on parts, costs, etc and here are a few questions to begin with:
1) Moss lists a solid copper head gasket. pretty expensive. is the Payen one most places carry ok to use? or better to spend the money here? don't want to pull twice.
2) i plan to replace valves and seats. suggestions on who to go to? Good Parts has a couple different ones maybe?
3) valve springs. i see single and dual set ups. which to use on a street engine? (do not plan to change the cam)
4) plan to put in new valve guides. will buy the better ones here.
5) valve seals: i think i saw Good parts shows a seal. have not seen other places. worth it?
6) since the head will likely be decked, should i get the shortened push rods or depends on how much they take off?
what else am I missing?
things i should have the machine shop do while they have the head?
Thanks for any suggestions.
little background: car runs fine and holds great oil pressure. i am not trying to build a hot rod or anything just put it back together as a nice driver.
ok, so past that it always seems i do work and then get better suggestions or find out there is a better way to do something. So i thought i would ask for some input before i get started. Since everything is running fine i do not plan to pull the engine. but while i have the head off, i figure i may as well put in new valves, seats, springs, guides, etc.
i also have a small oil leak at the front so figure i may as well pull the timing cover and replace the oil seal. then while in there, check the chain, etc.
i have been starting some research on parts, costs, etc and here are a few questions to begin with:
1) Moss lists a solid copper head gasket. pretty expensive. is the Payen one most places carry ok to use? or better to spend the money here? don't want to pull twice.
2) i plan to replace valves and seats. suggestions on who to go to? Good Parts has a couple different ones maybe?
3) valve springs. i see single and dual set ups. which to use on a street engine? (do not plan to change the cam)
4) plan to put in new valve guides. will buy the better ones here.
5) valve seals: i think i saw Good parts shows a seal. have not seen other places. worth it?
6) since the head will likely be decked, should i get the shortened push rods or depends on how much they take off?
what else am I missing?
things i should have the machine shop do while they have the head?
Thanks for any suggestions.
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