think i blew my headgasket =( what to get?

[jt15833]

ok i think I blew my headgasket because when I get on the gas and it gets to about 3k rpm and past its got this wierd noise coming from near the turbo and sounds like an exhaust leak, but a little different. I'm losing alot of coolant but haven't seen any puddles but also haven't seen any white smoke out the tailpipe. I'm going to get a compression gauge to confirm things.

my questions are about what to get. Right now my engine is stock except for bolt ons, and it's going to stay that way for a while. in a few months i've got plans for a bigger turbo, but nothing more than 250whp. i'd like to go stock to avoid the issues with a metal hg. From what i've read i'm thinking felpro headgasket (do you get these from autoparts stores?) and arp headstuds (the 202-5402 one, sr20 main stud kit). does this sound good ?

[float_6969]

Yea, but you'd better plan on having the Head decked and you need to make sure the head is still flat as well.

If you don't you'll be doing it again.

[jt15833]

have the head decked and make sure the block is still flat is what you mean? what's the best way to check the flatness of the block, check it with something with a straight edge?

[r34 gtr]

yeah, straight edge the block and head, and see how far they are out. i used a really awesome metal ruler, but if you dont have something nice and precise youll want to go borrow one from a friend or something. youll need to take the head in to a machine shop and have it milled flat. it wont cost you much, but it needs to be done. trust me i didnt do it and im having to do it now.

[dvd]

wow, your headgasket blew too? sad month for cas

[jt15833]

ok heres the final symptomsa) noticable loss of coolant after hard run, no puddlesb) white smoke present under hard accelerationc) brown oily matter in the radiatord) bubbling noise near back of head after engine is shut downe) exhaust leak noise type present only under hard accel

to me it looks like a headgasket, i just want to make sure before diving into this job.

Also, what is a good list of simple things to replace during this job (not rings or anything that I have to pull engine, can't this time around) . I was thinking

Intake manifold gasketExhaust manifold gasketExhaust studs (where to get? hardware store?)

For people trying to use stock replacement is it possible / recomended to get an OEM gasket or does the felpro unit from auto parts stores work well?

Lastly, can they mill the block with cams and stuff still in it?

thanks alot! trying to order this stuff soon so I can do it this weekend.

[boost_boy]

ok heres the final symptomsa) noticable loss of coolant after hard run, no puddlesb) white smoke present under hard accelerationc) brown oily matter in the radiatord) bubbling noise near back of head after engine is shut downe) exhaust leak noise type present only under hard accel

to me it looks like a headgasket, i just want to make sure before diving into this job.

Also, what is a good list of simple things to replace during this job (not rings or anything that I have to pull engine, can't this time around) . I was thinking

Intake manifold gasketExhaust manifold gasketExhaust studs (where to get? hardware store?)

For people trying to use stock replacement is it possible / recomended to get an OEM gasket or does the felpro unit from auto parts stores work well?

Lastly, can they mill the block with cams and stuff still in it?

thanks alot! trying to order this stuff soon so I can do it this weekend.

Yo man, you have a blown headgasket as everyone else suggests. You must take your cams and lifters off your head in order to get the head job done. Either headgasklet will work, but your head must be done and you need to change your headbolts as well. I would only worry about milling the block if you were going to use a metal headgasket. But if you're going to pull the whole engine out, may as well get it done. and change a few other thing while you're at it. Take the advice given to you and use it wisely. Good luck and we'll be awaiting your finished product.

Dee