Blown 351 head gasket
#22
01-28-2012, 03:21 PM
I prefer to check and re-torque after the heat cycles on break in. I do that on all of my engines and pumps. For a quick proof to this, I checked in my 05 KLX400 and DRZ 400E manual of re-torquing the head bolts prior to a compression check. pg 2-27 periodic maintenance. The same is mentioned in my 76 KE 250 engine maintenance section. Pg 126
I do not have a KLX 250 manual so cannot provide any recommendations or proof for that ride. However, I would verify and re-torque after the heat cycles anyways. Besides, after seeing what new gaskets look like from the pictures above.....The engine needs all the help it can get for a long and leak free life.
edit: I also prefer using the permatex copper spray to line the new gaskets on assembly for better sealing and heat transfer.
bummer on the blown gskt lockie666
I do not have a KLX 250 manual so cannot provide any recommendations or proof for that ride. However, I would verify and re-torque after the heat cycles anyways. Besides, after seeing what new gaskets look like from the pictures above.....The engine needs all the help it can get for a long and leak free life.
edit: I also prefer using the permatex copper spray to line the new gaskets on assembly for better sealing and heat transfer.
bummer on the blown gskt lockie666
#23
01-28-2012, 03:36 PM
Some of my comments here sound argumentative to all the suggestions here, so don't take it that way...just bringing up other points of view about retorquing and even the use of gasket sealants in some cases. Many head gasket applications are intended to be used without any chemicals and are often even stated as such. You'll get many professional engine builders to differ on this issue, often on the same application. I'm not claiming to know the absolute answer here, but I've pretty much quit using chemicals on automotive and motorcycle head gaskets, and I have never had a leaking or blown head gasket that I assembled. It's been the rare case where a manufacturer was very specific on the type and method of use of a particular head gasket chemical where I used it.
#24
01-28-2012, 06:02 PM
I have to agree that using any extra chemical/sealant on the head gasket is not needed. I was told not to by Bill himself after asking if I should use anything on that gasket. Initial torque of 15 lbs then going to 22 lbs is what the manual says on those head bolts.....
If the compression was being raised significantly then yes I would use a thin coating of my favorite sealant.
If the compression was being raised significantly then yes I would use a thin coating of my favorite sealant.
#25
02-20-2012, 12:34 PM
I got this in the mail today, took three weeks to get here.
I don't know why this gasket is bent up like that, I have hammered it lightly to try level it out. again another suspect gasket.
I don't know why this gasket is bent up like that, I have hammered it lightly to try level it out. again another suspect gasket.
#29
02-20-2012, 06:11 PM
Looks like a defect that may have occurred by being bent in the mail ??? If it had been bent, even slightly, the fiber would return to normal with no mark but the metal would kink up like that.
Dan
Dan