N/A Build done... Blew head gaskets already!

[redcamaro1996]

Hey guys.

I've been quiet for a while, that's because I've been doing step 1 of the build. It's a 96 camaro. I tore the motor basically down to the block did p&p heads and intakes, GTP injectors, ZZP xp cam, rollermaster timing chain, comp 105#, retainers, viton valve seals, pacesetters, all that happy stuff.

Anyway, finally got the car running correctly and drove it less than 100 miles before I started seeing signs of a blown head gasket. I have white smoke in the tailpipe, milkshake oil, and less coolant in the radiator. I plan on replacing the head gaskets (GRR!) the question is what did I mess up? I used fel-pro head gaskets that I got from NAPA and fel-pro head bolts. Torqued everything to factory spec, chased the bolt holes, cleaned the block/head surfaces very well. Now what the heck did I do wrong? Thanks a lot in advance guys, and when this is figured out I'll post pics and sound clips. Sounded mean before this...

[cam98aro]

Re: N/A Build done... Blew head gaskets already!

did you use a 2 or 3 step torquing process to make sure the head is completely flat?

felpro makes good gaskets, but you may have gotten a bad one (unless both are somehow bad)

[redcamaro1996]

Re: N/A Build done... Blew head gaskets already!

did you use a 2 or 3 step torquing process to make sure the head is completely flat?

felpro makes good gaskets, but you may have gotten a bad one (unless both are somehow bad)

Yep, I used the torque specs in the haynes manual. I used a torque wrench and then turned them an additional however many degrees. I tightened criss cross center to outside also.

*Also, I remembered that on one side I had a locating pin stuck in the head and one still in the block (I had a different set of heads ported) and I nicked that head gasket a little during install. I figured compressing the head gasket would seal the small nick. Is it possible that this weakened the gasket?

[ne0hisda0ne]

Re: N/A Build done... Blew head gaskets already!

Yep, I used the torque specs in the haynes manual. I used a torque wrench and then turned them an additional however many degrees. I tightened criss cross center to outside also.

*Also, I remembered that on one side I had a locating pin stuck in the head and one still in the block (I had a different set of heads ported) and I nicked that head gasket a little during install. I figured compressing the head gasket would seal the small nick. Is it possible that this weakened the gasket?

what started the rebuild? might want to machine your heads of any perfections, you might have a warped head...

[nascar24jd]

Re: N/A Build done... Blew head gaskets already!

Is there any chance that this could be an intake gasket issue rather then a head gasket issue?

[ne0hisda0ne]

Re: N/A Build done... Blew head gaskets already!

I don't think so, he says he has milkshake looking oil...and if I recall the intake doesn't take oil or coolant in...

[cam98aro]

Re: N/A Build done... Blew head gaskets already!

I don't think so, he says he has milkshake looking oil...and if I recall the intake doesn't take oil or coolant in...

the intake should take coolant, not oil, but their is oil directly below the intake, it is possible for coolant to get into the oil from a bad intake gasket

[ssms5411]

Re: N/A Build done... Blew head gaskets already!

I always have the heads milled .010 for a rebuild, esp. the 98 and below heads, becuase of their imperfections and strenght. My first rebuild I had a valve guide brake compleltly off after the rebuild about 100 miles or so. It just smoked like crazy no coolant in oil or anything. So now I have spare set of 02' heads milled and 3 angle valve job, SI valves and MLS head gaskets & copper spray to go on if my heads take a dump. Sorry to hear about your car did you having the timing setup right degrees the cam to spec?

[redcamaro1996]

Re: N/A Build done... Blew head gaskets already!

The heads were machined down with the port and polish. Not to mention that it ran perfectly for 100 miles previous. A warped head would have shown up right away, right?

I hate to ask this question, but, if I have a cracked block/head could I tell the difference in symptoms from a blown gasket? I'll start ripping it apart tomorrow and hopefully learn more.

[redcamaro1996]

Re: N/A Build done... Blew head gaskets already!

I always have the heads milled .010 for a rebuild, esp. the 98 and below heads, becuase of their imperfections and strenght. My first rebuild I had a valve guide brake compleltly off after the rebuild about 100 miles or so. It just smoked like crazy no coolant in oil or anything. So now I have spare set of 02' heads milled and 3 angle valve job, SI valves and MLS head gaskets & copper spray to go on if my heads take a dump. Sorry to hear about your car did you having the timing setup right degrees the cam to spec?

Cam was degreed and I was starting with ZZP's tune for timing.