after a brain fart inspired missed gear on the track, I get to pull the head from my engine. ('00 C5 swap)
a tick resulted, adjusted valves, helped a little, started sipping coolant.


so the headgasket is being replaced when the spring season get's closer. (hoping for no bent valves)
What should I do/replace/service/etc while I'm in there?

engine has 72k on it, I've had it since 4k.

keep in mind that certain upgrades are not really an option due to the autocross rule book. (shaving head, flat faced valves, etc)

 

Why don't you start with a leakdown test? It'll give you some direction as to what needs to be replaced. You can plan from there.

 

I'm hoping to slip a compression test in while it's unusually warm out.
A leakdown test may be a possibility depending on if I can find a air compressor capabible of doing it.

Unfortunatly I'm a parkinglot mechanic at the moment.

 

It's strange that the engine's cosuming coolant after overrevving. I can't imagine that the headgasket would be affected by that.

 

I have a feeling that it may be the placebo effect. It may have been pulling a little coolant before this, I'm simply a lot more attentive to it now. It may have also aggravated it and made it slightly worse.

any idea what size (CFM) compressor would be required for a leak down test? Would a little 3 gallon (.5CFM compressor) keep up? Tiny, pathetic even, but free is free.

 

I've never done a leakdown test, so I can't give you 100% sure answer. I don't see why there would be a minimum size required. You just need to get it to 100psi and then check the leakage. Not like constant airflow with air tools.

Btw, where do you get the tester from? No autoparts stores rent them.

 

the compressor would have to keep up to the air leaked from the system, I'm not sure how much 10% of 100psi in CFM is.
if you have a tank with no compressor the psi would drop off as you test.

harbor freight sells them for $40. I've seen cheaper versions for less. (never thought I'd say harbor freight tools were higher quality)
I may hold out till the next time I head west. My father has a professional setup for it, but it's a 250mile drive to get there.

 

you would probably know if you bent a valve,it would run like poo,plus a comression test would help with that.
other than the head gasket you should be fine,just get it checked for flatness.
also they wouldnt know if you had flat valves or a thinner head gasket would they

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 4g hatch &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">you would probably know if you bent a valve,it would run like poo,plus a comression test would help with that.
other than the head gasket you should be fine,just get it checked for flatness.
also they wouldnt know if you had flat valves or a thinner head gasket would they </TD></TR></TABLE>
the car runs strong, but I a slight bend on one valve may not show up on the butt dyno.

I've thought of that... what they can't see can't hurt me... but I'm trying to remain honest.

they're talking 25-30* and no more rain for the weekend, I should be able to slip a compresssion test in then.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Relic1 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
the car runs strong, but I a slight bend on one valve may not show up on the butt dyno.

I've thought of that... what they can't see can't hurt me... but I'm trying to remain honest.

they're talking 25-30* and no more rain for the weekend, I should be able to slip a compresssion test in then.</TD></TR></TABLE>

the test you let you know more. also i wonder if everyone else on tha track is as honeset as you