Question for all those 396 LT1 or LT4
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On The Tree
Joined: May 2005
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From: Utah
Question for all those 396 LT1 or LT4 guys I've got a little bit of a problem here. Coolant is leaking into the oil pan, and i've taken off the intake completely, and it's not coming through the valley, so it's through the cylinders. I ask the guy I bought the engine from, and the only thing he can think of is that when they had to modify the cometic head gaskets to make them work with the Jesel rocker system. Do you guys think this is possible? I know if there is a head gasket problem, this could happen while the car is running, but this happens with i'm just filling the radiator while it's sitting there.
I'll be taking the heads off tomorrow morning, so I can see if it's the heads or a problem with the block itself. This project is getting to be one expensive problem after another.
Also, for those running this size of engine, what head gaskets are you using? My block is using a 4.030 bore, and I can't find a thing for it.
I'll be taking the heads off tomorrow morning, so I can see if it's the heads or a problem with the block itself. This project is getting to be one expensive problem after another.
Also, for those running this size of engine, what head gaskets are you using? My block is using a 4.030 bore, and I can't find a thing for it.
Last edited by Azthrei; Aug 4, 2006 at 12:17 PM.
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,023
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From: LT1 land...the "409" of the 90s!
Hmm...
We have used every thing but Cometic's. never had a reason to. Alot of them seep on LS1 cars I do know that. we always use a sealer when we fill the system if we are using Comectic's
We have used every thing but Cometic's. never had a reason to. Alot of them seep on LS1 cars I do know that. we always use a sealer when we fill the system if we are using Comectic's
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: May 2005
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From: Utah
Ya, I think i'm going to try and find a set of Fel Pro gaskets to work, and use some sealant around the water jacket areas. I just need to find what ones would work with a .030 over bore, and have a thickness of .50-.60, and that I can get before the weekend is out. I just really hope that's the problem.
Az hate to hear your having problems with Cometics, LME put them on mine and I've had no problems. BUT! Brian & Pecos @LME did mic out the 1st set of Cometics were shipped prior to install to find it out of spec even thought the PN# was correct. Cometic re-shipped the correct ones and they installed them. My point here being the QA "check prior shipping" process of Cometic may need improvement (I don't know that to be fact) but am very glad LME checked the specs prior to install, says a lot for a good engine builder.
Prior the 396 I used 96 Impalla SS Felpro's to up the CR a tad, but with this setup wanted the best of everything. Hope you get it lined out the way you want.
Prior the 396 I used 96 Impalla SS Felpro's to up the CR a tad, but with this setup wanted the best of everything. Hope you get it lined out the way you want.
Thread Starter
On The Tree
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From: Utah
I do have the ARP head studs in mine, found that out when we took the heads off. The ARP studs are sealed in, but it looked like the leak was coming from the head gaskets, or that general area. It may be a problem with the studs, but this is the first i've heard of this kind of problem. I may just forget the studs, take them out, and do just bolts for the heads. Although I really don't want to go to even more work with this all, it's becoming more of a pain then i'm almost willing to deal with.
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Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: May 2005
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From: Utah
Ok, these are the gaskets i'm looking at getting, but is there a major problem if I get gaskets with a bore way too large for the one I have?
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku
The reason i'm looking at these are a couple reasons. First, they're in stock, they're also fel-pro which from what i've heard have better seal properties. Also, I was told by the builder to get a pretty thick gasket, and these look good for the application. Let me know what you guys think, cause i'll be ordering them in the morning overnight if they will work.
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku
The reason i'm looking at these are a couple reasons. First, they're in stock, they're also fel-pro which from what i've heard have better seal properties. Also, I was told by the builder to get a pretty thick gasket, and these look good for the application. Let me know what you guys think, cause i'll be ordering them in the morning overnight if they will work.
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Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 189
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From: Utah
Ok, i've actually found some other head gaskets that I think would be best for both worlds here. I've found some SCE ICS self-sealing copper head gaskets on summit. They have the strength of the copper, and built in sealant to seal the water passages and oil passages. Here is the link to them, tell me what you guys think, need to get some gaskets ordered today so I can get them tomorrow or wednesday at the latest.
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 189
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From: Utah
Ok, I ended up going with the Felpro 1074 LT4 gaskets. The bore and thickness should work, and they're setup to work on the motor as is. We'll see how the week goes, and if that's the problem.
