Hello I just started up my motor for the first time today on my built h22 motor. The block was step decked and i am using the stock h22 headgasket. i went with stock bore. I used ARP headstuds and followed the directions carefully. So while it was warming up there was coolant leaking between the head and block at some areas very little. So i was wondering what the problem could be i had the head checked out and block checked out for perfect flat surface what could the problem be? HELP ME
THanks in advance

 

Do u guys think i need to use another headgasket for step deck?

 

Are you positive you did not install the gasket with the up side facing down?

Second thought...if you are using a steel gasket on a steel sleeve that is cut above the deck...nothing is left that will compress. The head MUST warp to compress and seal (not a good thing). Maybe your head is not warping to seal.

The latest thinking from automotive engineers is that the best sealing surface available for aluminum blocks with mls headgaskets is a micro smooth flat surface. Stepped decks are not the way to go anymore.

 

are you sure its the HG leaking and not some coolant hose? I had many hose leaks and the ones near the T stat (B series motor) leaks in a way that it looks like the gasket is leaking because the coolant found its way around the HG.

-check oil
-check coolant

make sure there's no mixing. double check all hose clamps!!

OEM HG works for stepped deck.

good luck

 

I checked the coolant hoses and im sure its coming from the head. I took the head off and im gonna double check to make sure its flat.
thanks

 

we had the same problem with a stepped deck on a b18c.we had the block decked to eliminate the step and switched over to the new sce copper gasket with a built in o-ring-problem solved.

 

man that will be my last resort i just put the motor in is there any other way?

 

what did you torqe the studs to, did you follow the owners manual torqueing sequence?

 

Yea I have the arp headstuds and i torque it down to 70lbs i believe. And i also did the 3 different torque sequences.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by earl &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Are you positive you did not install the gasket with the up side facing down?

Second thought...if you are using a steel gasket on a steel sleeve that is cut above the deck...nothing is left that will compress. The head MUST warp to compress and seal (not a good thing). Maybe your head is not warping to seal.

The latest thinking from automotive engineers is that the best sealing surface available for aluminum blocks with mls headgaskets is a micro smooth flat surface. Stepped decks are not the way to go anymore.</TD></TR></TABLE>

now you tell me this after i got a benson steped deck this january?
I thought they were better than copper o ring blocks

 

Are you having problems? If so, we will fix it for free. As I have said, this does not happen to every combination. Only a few cases. But a few is too many. Sleeved blocks have evolved like every other part has also.

 

no no problems, other than a head and block oil leak but i suspect the valve cover gasket. but i only have 500 miles on my setup and i have to drive 400 miles to school this monday, so i guess we will see.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by earl &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Are you positive you did not install the gasket with the up side facing down?

Second thought...if you are using a steel gasket on a steel sleeve that is cut above the deck...nothing is left that will compress. The head MUST warp to compress and seal (not a good thing). Maybe your head is not warping to seal.

The latest thinking from automotive engineers is that the best sealing surface available for aluminum blocks with mls headgaskets is a micro smooth flat surface. Stepped decks are not the way to go anymore.</TD></TR></TABLE>

i remember you telling me this when i called you

 

How high are the steps anyways?

 

Anywhere from .002-008"

 

Any step deck setups out there have any leaking problems with an oem gasket or maybe another gasket(sce copper gasket, cometic)?
thanks