I didnt get the last set of head bolts off but its 100% that the gasket is bad. Or that i have a warped head (which i doubt). I dont really have a straight edge but i do have feeler gauges. How can i tell if this head is warped. I really dont want to go to a machinist or buy a pair of heads. Can i keep the head on the block and use the feeler gauge like that? I would think a block is pretty straight..

 

truing up the heads at a machine shop is cheap insurance, all the will do is mill a couple of thousandths and give a nice clean surface for you to work with. Why not do that?

 

I really dont think the head is warped. I was losing coolant and the car NEVER over heated. i am thinking the head gasket was either bad or me and my buddy installed it wrong..

 

What happened? Why did you tare the motor down?

 

To check the head, which you should do whether the gasket is bad or not, you need a straight edge. The one I have is from Snap On, it is a 1" wide bar that is about 1/4 inch thick and machined on one edge. It must be at least as long as the head. Put the straight edge's machined surface against the head gasket sealing surface of the head, there is a spec for how much warpage is allowed. I can't remember it, You use a feeler gauge between the head and the straight edge. Make sure the head is clean 1st on that surface. If you have any doubt I would take the head to a machine shop ahd have them check it and resurface it if nec. You'll have a hard time sealing the gasket if the head is warped too much.

 

did a cam swap and 1000 mile later i started leaking coolant from the head. so idk if it was install error, a lemon gasket, or a warped head. I doubt its the head because it would have given me a problem with the old gaskets as well..I mean the other head/gasket is fine so im not sure

 

take it to a machine shop anyway. even if its out of spec they wont charge much to resurface it. whats the delimma here? take it.