Head gaskets

[Dusty1]

I've blown two head gaskets on the left side, second cylinder from the front(stock gaskets Fel Pro). This time I put on the layered steel gaskets which are thinner than stock. I just wandered if this will affect the setttings on my adjustable rockers being that slight bit shorter? I haven't started it yet since putting these on. I don't want to bend anything

[Chryco Psycho]

Yes , a thinner gasket will change the rocker settings with the head closer to the block the pushrods will seem longer reducing the lash , reset them

[Dusty1]

That's what I needed to know! I didn't know if that little bit would make a difference. Thanks! I didn't need anymore problems

[73EStroker]

Good idea to reset/check valve lash every time you reinstall a cylinder head!

[HP_Cuda]

Everytime you mess with the head height you have to measure clearances, which will affect lash.

Like the old guy said "Measure twice, cut once"

[Dusty1]

Well it seems I'm still having trouble at this cylinder. But instead of how the fel pro gaskets pushed out the top, my steel gasket is leaking water out the bottom of the head on the same cylinder where I had trouble before. Machine shop checked the head last time and said it is true. Can I check the block without pulling it and tell if it is straight? It was suppose to have been checked when it was built.

[Chryco Psycho]

Any chance the cylinder was sleeved ? I have seen that cause a leak when they are done improperly .
if you have a straight edge & a feeler gauge you should be able to tell if the block is not flat but the head will have to be removed again .
 What about a block sealer like Irontite ceramic sealer supposed to be one of the best sealers

[cudabob496]

ya. lay cylinder head on block, without gasket, and install bolts loosely, and measure
gaps all the way around. May not have some flat surfaces.

[Dusty1]

No sleeves, it was bored .40 over. I thought I check the block last time, but something isn't right. It just won't hold in the middle of that head. Its like the compression is just too high. Block sealer? How do you use that?

[Chryco Psycho]

Any chance the bolts holes are not clean & the bolt is torquing by hitting bottom instead of pulling the head tight .
Block sealer just goes into the coolant , apparently you cannot have anti freeze in the engine , heat cycle the engine with the sealer in the cooling system & then drain out the water & put coolant back in

[cudabob496]

torque wrench calibrated?
following the correct torque sequence?

[Strawdawg]

Does this happen when the car is being driven in normal day to day driving or does it happen after some wide open throttle driving?

[HP_Cuda]

Head warpage? And/or incorrect torquing?

[Dusty1]

They do seem to torque down well. I used my torque wrench and a friends Snap On wrench, they both seem equal. I tested the torque last time before I took them out and they were  still where they should be. Torque from center out. They are OE head bolts but if they are staying at proper torque I wouldn't think they are streaching excessively. All three times, after about 200 miles of normal Muscle Car driving ( no drag racing) it has pushed the head gasket out at the top of the clyinder twice and now leaking water out the botton second cylinder back on the left (driver) side. I ordered Irontite Flush, Sealant & All Weather Seal.

[Strawdawg]

Plugs look like they should and not overly lean?