new head gasket leaks

[mdonalds201]

Got the engine back (Z129) from the machine shop on a total overhaul and found a small coolant leak at the head gasket. Retorqued the bolts but no change. Tried a new gasket with copper coat, no change. I witnessed the shop check the block and milled the head and both were a good match. I was thinking about using silver seal. Any suggestions ?? Thanks, MJD

 

[trac]

Is it just coming out on side of head or leaking in cyinder fouling spark plug at about 1/2 thorttle or more just in the oil all 3? I just had the same thing happen but i was able to retorque the head it seems to be working so far

 

[Jim350]

When you torqued the head bolts did you start in the center of the head and work outwards in a cirular motion bring them all down equal a little at a time and the repeat after the engine is hot?

 

[Jerry/MT]

Did you torque it in two or three steps?Did you warm the engine up and retorque it? Did you follow the torque pattern in the manual? Did you put the gasket on correctly? Not upside down.
if you did all of that and it still leaks, there something wrong with the head or the deck.

 

[trac]

Jim if your aking me thats what i had to do. every thing was fine for 2+ months intill i had to replace the water pump then water started showing up in the wrong places

 

[Jim350]

No, It was a reply to the person that started the post.

 

[2tractors]

Jerry, How do you tell if gasket is upside down? I just torqued my head an haven't retorqued yet, got a manual last week an it only mentions 2 types of gaskets, 1 with water hole and 1 without.

 

[Jerry/MT]

The one with the hole for the water pump bypass will only go on one way. Look at the manual

 

[2tractors]

Page 4 fig. 5 of the manual only mentions 2 types, 2 without the hole and 2 with. If one gets a set without hole and a hole is needed then punch in the hole, if you got a set with hole and no hole is needed then no harm no foul. If you flip fig. 5 picture from left to right then the hole on the left is in position, if you flip top to bottom then head studs don't line up, so in my opinion there is no wrong way if both holes are open. If I am understanding this wrong i would rather know now than later so PLEASE, ease my worried mind as I have made many mistakes without manual.

 

[mdonalds201]

Thanks to all for the comments. The gasket I have only goes on one way (bolt alignment). Both the head and block were checked by the machine shop and were good. He milled the head anyway just for security. The bolts were torqued per the manual. Helicoil inserts and all new bolts, washers and nuts (grade 8) were installed. We ran the engine to warm it up and retorqued the bolts. After all that we were about to pull the head again and figured it won't hurt anything at this point to seat the head with a dead blow hammer during another retorque. IT WORKED !!! No more leaks. Just another page in "it may work" Thanks.