Head gasket leaking after install..
Head gasket leaking after install.. Installed LS9 head gaskets on an LQ4 w/ stock heads (will be boosting later). Started priming the engine and noticed a little bit of water under the drivers side. Looks like it is coming from the head gasket..
I used ARP head bolts, torqued properly (3 stages, final stage 75ftlb)
Any ideas what happened?
**It is only leaking from the driver's side head. The passenger side head is dry
I used ARP head bolts, torqued properly (3 stages, final stage 75ftlb)
Any ideas what happened?
**It is only leaking from the driver's side head. The passenger side head is dry
Last edited by TXjeepTJ; Mar 13, 2015 at 08:49 PM.
Nope, but they are the same heads that came on the block - not sure if it was leaking before hand though - I bought this engine from a wrecked truck. I gave it a good look over before the tear down and didn't see any leaks
How was the surface finish? Also, did you use ARP lube and was it on the threads and both side of the washer (not sure if the bolts have washers, if not then lube under the bolt head)? Where did you get the torque value? ARP increased their torque value on the studs a couple of years ago (I am running their studs), not sure on the bolts but you may want to call them prior to doing anything else.
Also, did you use ARP lube and was it on the threads and both side of the washer (not sure if the bolts have washers, if not then lube under the bolt head)? Where did you get the torque value? ARP increased their torque value on the studs a couple of years ago (I am running their studs), not sure on the bolts but you may want to call them prior to doing anything else.
Trending Topics
LS1 Tech Stories
The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them
Pouria Savadkouei
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked
Pouria Savadkouei
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP
Verdad Gallardo
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes
Verdad Gallardo
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power
Verdad Gallardo
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die
Verdad Gallardo
I use studs, and mine were torqued 75/25, I'm pretty sure. I never had an issue, and this was 11.7 compression.
What are you guys saying about LS1HowTo that damages motors? I used it in the past. I'm smart enough to know not to put the frickin crank pulley on using the bolt though. That's about all I can think of.
I don't rotate the motor when doing rockers either. 22ft#'s and go. It's quite simple.
What are you guys saying about LS1HowTo that damages motors? I used it in the past. I'm smart enough to know not to put the frickin crank pulley on using the bolt though. That's about all I can think of.
I don't rotate the motor when doing rockers either. 22ft#'s and go. It's quite simple.
Don't forget there is a coolant block off on the passenger rear of the head. Complete opposite of the coolant temp sensor
Whoops misread you said driver side. Anyway to put the gaskets on backwards? We're the heads and block mating surfaces cleaned thoroughly
Whoops misread you said driver side. Anyway to put the gaskets on backwards? We're the heads and block mating surfaces cleaned thoroughly
Absolutely, that site is responsible for a lot of engine damage.
How was the surface finish? Also, did you use ARP lube and was it on the threads and both side of the washer (not sure if the bolts have washers, if not then lube under the bolt head)? Where did you get the torque value? ARP increased their torque value on the studs a couple of years ago (I am running their studs), not sure on the bolts but you may want to call them prior to doing anything else.
How was the surface finish? Also, did you use ARP lube and was it on the threads and both side of the washer (not sure if the bolts have washers, if not then lube under the bolt head)? Where did you get the torque value? ARP increased their torque value on the studs a couple of years ago (I am running their studs), not sure on the bolts but you may want to call them prior to doing anything else.
I followed the arp instructions, which said to add the lube to the threads and to the side of the washer that contacts the bolt head. I don't recall it stating to add lube on the head side of the washer.
I'll have to triple check the torque values, the instructions it came with said 75ft lb though.
I just went back out there after letting it sit for a day and wanted to make sure it wasn't leaking from the steam vents. I checked the rear vent yesterday and it was def not leaking. I didn't check the front though. The front did have a little water residue around it.
When I crank the engine over now I'm not getting any coolant leaks. Sort of weird..
No coolant in oil and no coolant in the cylinders (stuck a rolled up paper towel in each cylinder)
Found this today after running just the water pump using a drill. I wonder if the first time I cranked it fluid shot out of this, then started slowing down once junk started clogging the leaking
Swapped out with new gaskets (on both)
Cranked it over a good bit, didn't see any leaks. So I cranked it up and let it run for about 5 minutes, no leaks!