97 headgasket question. Calling all engine builders

[petey_97]

Hello again everyone. I have a 97 B14 sentra with the GA16DE. A couple years ago the headgasket went, so I tore it down and rebuilt, got the valve lash checked, head milled, decked the block and installed a new gasket myself. Anyway, fast forward now and there is coolant in the oil again. You can imagine my reaction. The only thing I can think of is that I forgot to do something during the installation because the head wasn't cracked and the block held coolant up until I drained it so it couldn't be cracked. Worth noting that I installed a felpro hg instead of the OEM which now I am regretting and that I installed the gasket "naked" on the mating surfaces without any sealant or anything. Is that the right procedure? Thanks for any help guys. That was my first time tearing an engine down and it took me 3 months to do, looking at it now I figure I could have it done in a couple weeks.

Matt

[Anonymyz]

i honestly would have used the OEM gasket because felpro has changed the type of gasket material they use. I have an OEM head Gasket for the GA16De. As far as installing it naked check with your haynes and FSM ( either or is okay both are worth the weight in gold) they will instruct you with the best way to do the head gasket. did you make sure to scrape any gasket material off the head the first time to ensure a proper seal?