So I have a sleeved ERL H22a turbo, I've got less than 2500 miles on the motor and the head gasket isnt sealing the combustion chamber properly it is cometic. I have ARP studs both the head and block were resurfaced prior to assembly.
Could the fact Im using e85 have anything to do with it?
I'm a machinist and I'm very particular when I do engine assembly. I retorqued the head after a few heat cycles. Any input you might have would be greatly appreciated.
thanks
ariel bolanos
A.K.A. cletus jenkins

 

i kno of a kid that had his problem and come to find out it was his dowel pins being to long because he shaved to head and the block to much.

 

thanks I'll look at them when I rip it apart this winter
I appreciate the info I wouldn't have thought of that on my own I don't think

 

What are the symptoms? A guy that I know locally got an ERL sleeved block that they cracked all the way through the main bearing journals when they were pressing in the sleeves, and I've also heard of people boring through to the water jacket or not sealing the bottom where the sleeve seats. One of my old sleeved blocks had similar issues because the sleeves were not correctly aligned when they were pressed in (not from ERL, from another company), although that one was fixed with one of the stepped gaskets from Cometic, although if yo have the block out of the car then you could get the deck stepped too.

 

x2 and if its bored make sure its the gasket is the right size for the bore I know thats a stupid mistake but its been overlooked before

 

Have you tried spraying your head gasket with the copper spray?

 

pulling it apart shortly here thanks for the input Ill send update asap