jrs944 head gasket project

[Jayzero911]

First, I would recommend getting the crank at least inspected and the journals polished. When I did mine it was only like $60. It will finish as good as new, and will last much longer.

Second, be careful how much they deck the heads AND the block total. Excessive combined decking can cause the timing to be off a small amount. What happens is that with both the heads and block decked, the camshafts are a small amount closer to the block. While most cases it is not an issue, too much head and block decking can allow the distance between the left and right cylinder heads to be enough where the timing belt will fit, but there will be s small difference in where the camshaft gear timing mark lines up with the back cover plate. This will result in a small, but noticeable amount of power loss.

Don't they make over-sized head gaskets for this reason?

 

[jrs944]

Don't they make over-sized head gaskets for this reason?

The head gaskets that I ordered are DNJ from Rock Auto. I have read that a lot of people swear by OEM head gaskets but I ordered most of my other parts from Rock Auto. Has anyone had issues with the DNJ gaskets?

 

[Bumper2Bumper Auto]

Don't they make over-sized head gaskets for this reason?

There are a few that manufacture them. I have not been a big fan as the few I HAVE heard of had sealing problems under pressure.

 

[jrs944]

Since the block is at the shop, I decided to remove the valves and clean them up. I plan to lap them and put them back in the head if I have time tomorrow. The valve with the X on it is the one that failed the vacuum check. I didn't check the valve clearance yet but I will once they are back in the head.

 

[airdreams1]

yah mine is dirty!!!!!!
It has 329000 miles so I figure its best to rebuild it rather than putting a bandaid on it. (head gasket & water pump) & Im praying the block isnt cracked or any other major issues.

Can i compression test it with a blown head gasket to get an idea of condition? has water/antifreez in the oil & i can smell the anitfreez in the tail pipe & visualy see oil in the tail pipe.)

& am I being too optimistic thinking I can do a full rebuild for around $1000???? assuming I dont need a new block, crank, etc...
Id be doing all the labor with a bit of help from a friend. getting the block & heads looked @ by the machine shop & what ever machinenig nessesary.

 

[airdreams1]

& am I being too optimistic thinking I can do a full rebuild for around $1000????
Id be doing all the labor with a bit of help from a friend.

 

[jrs944]

I doubt that you will have much luck with a compression check with a blown head gasket. Also, with that many miles on it, your valves probably wont be seating very well.

As far as the cost for a total rebuild, I will have close to $1000 in mine. Head machining was 150 for both. Block decking is 150 and to bore and hone is 18 per cylinder. I plan on putting in new pistons, rod and main bearings along with new oil and water pumps, distributer and spark plug wires and all new seals and gaskets. Pretty much everything but a new crankshaft.

 

[jrs944]

Got a call from the shop about my block yesterday. They said that the cylinders need to be bored. I ordered new pistons that are .75 mm or .030" over standard. The shop said they needed the pistons before they bore it. I guess it will be a few more weeks before I can put it back together. I also checked the valve clearance and I couldn't even get a feeler gage under one of the exhaust valves. I have since replaced all 6 of the exhaust valves and one intake valve. Now all of the valves are in tolerance. The project is going pretty slow, but I might get it running sometime in March.

 

[jrs944]

Well it took 3 months but I finally got the engine put together and in the truck. It took a long time to get the block machining done but it was worth the wait. Here are a few picks of the rebuild.

Block with crank installed.


New oil and water pump.


Heads on.


Crossover and flexplate.


A little crooked but ready to drop in.


Back in the truck.

 

[Hyde802]

Nice work on the engine!

 

[jrs944]

Updated pictures of my 4Runner. Blacked out the wheels and chrome. New tires. Also repainted the stripes.