So I just replaced my head gasket and studded the head (ARP). I put everything back together and went to start the engine. It cranked over many times until it built up fuel pressure. However, just before it fired up the engine shook the whole car rather firmly (just as it did the last time I popped the gasket), then it started. It's smoking like a **** out the pipe (coolant) and there is a little bit of smoke coming from behind the exhaust manifold (seems to be from the head/block mating surface). I took off the radiator cap and revved it and coolant shot out of the neck. The rate of coolant consumption is about a quarter inch out of the reservoir after two or three minutes of idling. Also, it would hold at 1500 RPM but then it started revving and dropping between 1500 and 2000 RPM (IACV trying to keep the engine running?).

My diagnosis is that the head gasket is blown, perhaps because I made some mistake in torquing the studs. My plan of action is to remove the head, check for warpage, and put it back with the same gasket but with the original head bolts to see if the symptoms get better (essentially putting the studs at fault). If so, then I'll replace the gasket again and use the factory bolts and go from there.

Enough information for you? Now I just need as much insight and advice as I can get. If you have questions, a different diagnosis, or more information for me it is all greatly appreciated. Thank you, everyone!

 

[quote]..just as it did the last time I popped the gasket..[quote]

So you replaced the headgasket because it was blown?
I did not read anywhere that you got the head resurfaced. If it's not you torque ing the head down improperly then your head is probably warped, when you replace head gasket, usually you resurface the head so that its an even surface. Or could be a faulty headgasket.. If i were you i'd exchange the headgasket and while at the autoparts store send off the head to be resurfaced.

 

either your heads warped or you put the gasket on upside down.

ALWAYS resurface the head when doin the headgasket. dont be a cheap ***

 

and you will need a new gasket since it has already been installed one time

 

It doesn't need resurfaced if within the service limit, right? How much does it typically cost to resurface it and what kind of shop would do that?

 

how do u know its within the service limit? did you use a PERFECT straight edge with a feeler gauge?

everytime i do a headgasket i ALWAYS get the head surfaced ALWAYS

 

I didn't say it was within the service limit, I asked whether or not it needs surfaced if it is within the service limit.

Anyway, when I take it back off I'll get it resurfaced. How much does that cost?

 

this is what heppened to me


https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=1945217

 

No, the head gasket was on right.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Hardedge &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> How much does that cost?</TD></TR></TABLE> it cost me 42$
but it'll cost u 42$ plus a new headgasket for it not being in the "service limit". lol

 

It cost me $25 to resurface one of my heads at a local machine shop. Same day service too. As far being within service limits, you are correct. BUT, if I'm not mistaken the spec is .002 inches for the tolerance limit which is extremely tight. You might as well just have it machined, I'd personally specify to take off the least amount of material possible so as to not completely alter the deck height to the point that an adjustable cam gear is necessary.