Advice on a blown head gasket - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

mle1313 · 10-24-2016, 03:05 PM

Hello. I have a 1984 Chevy K20 that has a blown head gasket. I am trying to decide between just fixing that or getting a new engine. I live in California so I have to take passing smog into consideration. The truck has a rebuilt 5.7 liter in it now that only has 40k miles on it. But, I would like more power. What is the best route to take?

GASoline71 · 10-24-2016, 03:06 PM

Only 40k and a blown head gasket after a rebuild... I would be interested in why it blew out that quick.

Gary

6768chevylover · 10-24-2016, 03:34 PM

Depends on your funds and ability. Me personally, I would pull the block and enjoy doing the work on it and what I'm about to create. I would think its cheaper for your wallet to do the upgrades yourself. If you went that route.

GRX · 10-24-2016, 04:10 PM

to the forum.

x2 on what Gary said. Seems strange it would blow a gasket so quickly. What are the signs you see it is blown?

cadillac_al · 10-24-2016, 09:03 PM

In my experience cast iron engines almost never blow head gaskets. I think an intake leak or possibly a cracked head would be more likely.

Marshy · 10-24-2016, 09:20 PM

Could be a cracked block also.

GRX · 10-26-2016, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cadillac_al

In my experience cast iron engines almost never blow head gaskets. I think an intake leak or possibly a cracked head would be more likely.

Really? I am trying to think of an iron engine that I have not seen blow a head gasket.

cadillac_al · 10-27-2016, 12:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GRX

Really? I am trying to think of an iron engine that I have not seen blow a head gasket.

I only see it on imports and ford and chrysler 4 cyl aluminum head crap. I never see it in stock cast iron engines. Maybe race engines will push the limits and blow a head gasket. I don't do much of that.

GRX · 10-27-2016, 07:32 PM

Experiences vary. I have seen blown head gaskets on SBC, BBC, SBF, Ford FE & FT, Dodge big & small blocks ... you name it. And that is just V8s. Stock built fleet service, not race.

10-24-2016, 03:05 PM	#1
mle1313 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Livermore Posts: 1	Advice on a blown head gasket Hello. I have a 1984 Chevy K20 that has a blown head gasket. I am trying to decide between just fixing that or getting a new engine. I live in California so I have to take passing smog into consideration. The truck has a rebuilt 5.7 liter in it now that only has 40k miles on it. But, I would like more power. What is the best route to take?

10-24-2016, 03:34 PM	#3
6768chevylover Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: nepa Posts: 745	Re: Advice on a blown head gasket Depends on your funds and ability. Me personally, I would pull the block and enjoy doing the work on it and what I'm about to create. I would think its cheaper for your wallet to do the upgrades yourself. If you went that route.

10-24-2016, 04:10 PM	#4
GRX Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: MD Posts: 1,937	to the forum. x2 on what Gary said. Seems strange it would blow a gasket so quickly. What are the signs you see it is blown? __________________ 1969 c-10 Step Side Long Bed. I-6 250cid = = 1969 Pontiac GTO hard top. 400, 4-speed.

10-24-2016, 09:03 PM	#5
cadillac_al Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Maine Posts: 2,374	Re: Advice on a blown head gasket In my experience cast iron engines almost never blow head gaskets. I think an intake leak or possibly a cracked head would be more likely. __________________ 76 Chevy K20 76 GMC K15 77 Chevy C10 77 Chevy K10

10-24-2016, 09:20 PM	#6
Marshy Registered User Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Mexico, NY Posts: 559	Re: Advice on a blown head gasket Could be a cracked block also. __________________ '84 K10, SM465, NP208, 3.42 Gears, 33x12.5-15 GM 4 bolt 880 roller block, 062 Vortec Heads Comp Cams XR258HR-10, MSD Street Fighter HEI Edelbrock: Performer Intake 2116, 1405 Carb Long tube headers, 2.5" duals to Flow Master Super 40's Vortec Engine Build

10-27-2016, 07:32 PM	#9
GRX Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: MD Posts: 1,937	Re: Advice on a blown head gasket Experiences vary. I have seen blown head gaskets on SBC, BBC, SBF, Ford FE & FT, Dodge big & small blocks ... you name it. And that is just V8s. Stock built fleet service, not race.



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.