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: 2,369	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

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.



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