The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network







Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Go Back   The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network > General Truck Forums > Engine & Drivetrain

Web 67-72chevytrucks.com


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 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?
mle1313 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-24-2016, 03:06 PM   #2
GASoline71
"I ain't nobody, dork."
 
GASoline71's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Whidbey Island, Washington
Posts: 8,948
Re: Advice on a blown head gasket

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

Gary
__________________
'cuz chicks dig scars...

My 1972 GMC 1500 Super Custom (Creeping Death) "long term" build thread.

The Rebuild of Creeping Death after the wreck

Quote:
Originally Posted by LONGHAIR View Post
I would never rebuild a 305.
Quote:
Originally Posted by prostreetC-10 View Post
I love using vacuum gauges as part of the carb tuning process. I hook the gauge to the inside of my garbage can and leave it there.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Marv D View Post
Remember Murphys 2nd law of mechanical relationships... "OPPOSING COMPONENTS ATTEMPTING TO OCCUPY THE SAME SPACE, AT THE SAME TIME, GENERALLY END UP OCCUPYING ADJOINING SPACE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE OIL PAN"
Quote:
Originally Posted by cableguy0 View Post
Its cheaper to listen to advice given when you ask for help than it is to ignore everyone and wait for carnage.
GASoline71 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-24-2016, 03:34 PM   #3
6768chevylover
Registered User
 
6768chevylover's Avatar
 
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.
6768chevylover is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-24-2016, 04:10 PM   #4
GRX
Registered User
 
GRX's Avatar
 
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.
GRX is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-24-2016, 09:03 PM   #5
cadillac_al
Registered User
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Maine
Posts: 2,369
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
cadillac_al is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 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
Marshy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-26-2016, 01:19 PM   #7
GRX
Registered User
 
GRX's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: MD
Posts: 1,937
Quote:
Originally Posted by cadillac_al View Post
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.
GRX is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-27-2016, 12:03 AM   #8
cadillac_al
Registered User
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Maine
Posts: 2,369
Re: Advice on a blown head gasket

Quote:
Originally Posted by GRX View Post
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.
__________________
76 Chevy K20
76 GMC K15
77 Chevy C10
77 Chevy K10
cadillac_al is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-27-2016, 07:32 PM   #9
GRX
Registered User
 
GRX's Avatar
 
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.
GRX is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Tags
383 stroker, chevy k20, head gasket, horsepower, rebuild


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:52 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Copyright 1997-2022 67-72chevytrucks.com