OT: Blown Head Gasket Question

Danny in CO

Well-known Member
I have a 1999 Escort that started running really rough. I thought it had a dropped valve seat (a common problem on Escorts). I found the rough running problem was the pipe from the exhaust manifold to the EGR valve had come unscrewed and dropped down. I found this as I pulled the head. This will be an easy fix. I, also, found the head gasket between #1 and #2 cylinders had about 3/8" blown area. It was right at dark last evening when I got the head off. I haven't had a chance to check the head or block yet. If I find any damage in the blown area is there any kind of gasket sealer that can be used instead of milling the head and block? It has to handle heat and pressure.

Thanks,
Danny
 
I put all new gaskets on my 390 Ford this spring with the help of my friend who is the best mechanic I have ever known. He cut his teeth on 60s and 70s Mustangs and Highboy trucks. Had to do a valve job on it and valve guide seals too. Here is how he did it. On all gasket surfaces he used a drill with hard plastic paint remover wheel, not the grit kind as it would be a big no no. It was fast and easy and made the surfaces shine. On the head gaskets he sprayed both sides with Permatex Copper Gasket spray per instructions. Dropped heads on. When we were done,fired it up put some block builders stop leak tablets in the radiator and she is all sealed up.
 
(quoted from post at 21:18:05 10/16/13) I have a 1999 Escort that started running really rough. I thought it had a dropped valve seat (a common problem on Escorts). I found the rough running problem was the pipe from the exhaust manifold to the EGR valve had come unscrewed and dropped down. I found this as I pulled the head. This will be an easy fix. I, also, found the head gasket between #1 and #2 cylinders had about 3/8" blown area. It was right at dark last evening when I got the head off. I haven't had a chance to check the head or block yet. If I find any damage in the blown area is there any kind of gasket sealer that can be used instead of milling the head and block? It has to handle heat and pressure.

Thanks,
Danny

EGR tube was notcher running issue :cry:

Seeing as you will be doing any warranty work that has to be done goop it up and cross yer fingers... It would be rare the block surface has a issue,,, have the head checked if you don't know how to and go by their recommendation...

Most quality head gaskets now days for most all engines DO NOT REQUIRE A SEALER you mite check into that with your set... I just did a 390 (that has nuttin to do with your engine) and the head gaskets (Victor) went on bone arse DRY.... Do your own research don't go by what others dream up.... Quality gasket makers have a web site that will explain what is needed if anything....
 
I have put on multi-layered steel (MLS) head gaskets with a gasket spray when the conditions warranted it. I will not do a head gasket w/o verifying the head for out of flat, especially since you found such a large section missing. Checking for out-of-flat is not that expensive, and if it is you'll have to replace the head gasket again along with correcting the issue anyway. Circle the spot on the head where the gasket failed and at least have that checked with a straight-edge and feeler gauges. Hope this helps. Gerard
 
Danny use the permatex copper spray its a no brainer, in fact it is the cheapest insurance policy u can get for your money. If the head leaks you get to do it again, and if you use the spray and tablets you will stack the deck in your favor. Orealys and NAPA sell a block builders tablet, Have Fun! L.B, Master of the Obvious.
 

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