I've been reading on the forum for a while, and have noted that Head Gasket failure is almost guaranteed.

When you replace your head gaskets (which I haven't already) is there a way to make them last?

Really, is there a brand of head gasket or something you can do to prevent it from ever failing again?

 

Replaced your coolant every two years. Inspect hoses and fan operation once or twice a year. Don't drive when you are overheating.

 

It seems as if, though, that even under normal operation, they fail. I don't really wan't to do this more than once.


Has anyone that has replaced their headgaskets in the past having/had trouble with the new gaskets?

 

Various options have been tried, no idea what really works.
Top hat replacement liners.
Studs for the heads rather than head bolts.

One thing I don't recall ever seeing mentioned is the use of a torque angle gauge.

The head bolts are to be tightened in a specific sequence to 20Nm, then a second round of a further turn of 90 degrees, then another round for another 90 degrees.
I calibrate my torque wrench before the first tightening, then use a torque angle gauge to make sure the 90 degree turns are spot on.
But it hasn't been long enough for me to know if it makes a difference.

My guess is that if you're very careful, have the heads milled, or at least checked for warpage, calibrate your torque wrench (this you can do yourself), oil the new head bolts and use a torque angle gauge, then that's your best bet on assembly.

Then treat it right when driving.

 

Don't use Dexcool, switch to any of the better yellow or green coolants, us copper spray on one side of the head gaskets, use good head gaskets, there are some good German gaskets and head bolts on the market that are far better, use head bolt thread lube on your new bolts and after torquing the head bolts, go back thru and recheck each bolt to make sure they are all to the same foot pounds, somewhere around 82#'s.

 

I was watching Extreme 4x4 today (5/1/11) and they up graded their diesel engine w a steel head gasket on some Suzuki project that they were upgrading. never heard of a gasket like that but wonder if anyone has used on of these.

 

They are typical on diesel engines because of the higher compression ratio, especially turbo diesels. A composite head gasket will not take that pressure.

 

Maybe it's time for a head gasket sticky? You mentioned in a previous thread about the German head gasket kit, but what is this copper spray you speak of? Haven't heard of it.

Eric

 

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