V8 Weeping head gaskets under 100,000km?

**PhilipA** · 18th September 2013, 07:25 AM

I replaced the head gaskets on my 3.9 V8 because of external leaks at the block ends, used an Ehlring gasket with new composite heads and it leaked out the ends of the block again in 20KK.

I think the blocks may relax a smidgeon so that they are down at the ends.
I then said to myself that I would fix this and fitted special gaskets from TRS in Adelaide and ARP head studs.
The car used no coolant at all from then on for about 30Kk until it was sold.
Regards Philip A

**ozscott** · 18th September 2013, 11:16 AM

It curious Pedro. We have seen plenty of people recommending studs (with or without the background to support it). You and I have both experienced British Offroad and they know what they are doing. I said I was happy to go to studs when re-building and they said dont bother.

Cheers

**1976_michelle** · 27th September 2013, 06:53 PM

I thought I'd hold off till I got LPG on the belief they do something to the heads with gas conversions but apparently they dont? Given it runs hotter, I'd be advised to do the gaskets first wouldnt I?

**bee utey** · 27th September 2013, 08:10 PM

Originally Posted by 1976_michelle

I thought I'd hold off till I got LPG on the belief they do something to the heads with gas conversions but apparently they dont? Given it runs hotter, I'd be advised to do the gaskets first wouldnt I?

Rover V8s don't need any special mods to run LPG, other than cooler running spark plugs. The difference in engine running temperature is insignificant unless your cooling system is in marginal condition.

If your head gaskets are weeping more than just a tiny bit they should be done regardless of having gas fitted. It's not a very complex job, compared to something like a Japanese quad cam V6 such as the Rodeo engine...

**1976_michelle** · 27th September 2013, 11:32 PM

yeh just establishing priorities; gaskets first, lpg next year I guess lol (might start commuting to work now I've got a day shift position and can't car pool with my better half and his 9l/100km economy....

**Pedro_The_Swift** · 28th September 2013, 06:50 AM

The engine builder said they actually pull it down with bolts and then replace with studs

**clubagreenie** · 28th September 2013, 08:22 AM

Thats a worry.

**Roverlord off road spares** · 28th September 2013, 09:42 AM

Originally Posted by Pedro_The_Swift

The engine builder said they actually pull it down with bolts and then replace with studs

pull it down with bolts, and then replace with studs? Once the bolts are removed to fit the studs wouldn't it lose it's "pulling down".

Do these bolts exert so much tension that they straighten slightly bent heads and blocks.

**clubagreenie** · 28th September 2013, 11:19 AM

Not when you consider the bolts yield at what would be well below the force required to move the head.

schuy1 · 28th September 2013, 02:17 PM

In all the time I have spent(misspent?) with all sorts of motors and those that play with them that "pull it down with bolts,then replace with studs" is the weirdest I have heard!

Maybe we need some of what hes smoking?

cluba, incorrect sequencing of bolts will warp a head , whether alloy or cast iron, albeit slightly but they will. Heads are actually not that strong longitudinally .
Cheers Scott

Thread: V8 Weeping head gaskets under 100,000km?

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