Gerald Morris
Senior Member
Well Moparians, I did all the proper chicken sacrifices, to no avail, leaving the Big One: head gasket replacement. I have the Fel-Pro head set, and have for some time, and will supplement this with a valley pan and intake gaskets, if the head set doesn't supply those. Since this is to be JUST a gasketing job, I expect to carefully number every lifter and pushrod, and replace those in their exact former location. This leaves the head bolts themselves. I've seen two opinions regarding whether its better to replace them with new bolts, or to re-use what was in the engine. I'm inclined to the latter, but IFF its safe to do so. If used head bolts can't be depended on to hold the cylinder head down properly, then their replacement is by far the MOST economical course to take.
I've never replaced cylinder heads or their gaskets on Mopar V8s before, though I have done so on a Ford 289, and some Buick ~4L V6, so this work isn't COMPLETE Terra Nova for me, BUT, I WANT TO DO IT EXACTLY RIGHT AND TO THE BEST OF MY ABILITY UNDER THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
You more experienced and knowledgeable Moparians might well know helpful things. If so, and you've the time, your lore will be gratefully perused and pondered.
I've never replaced cylinder heads or their gaskets on Mopar V8s before, though I have done so on a Ford 289, and some Buick ~4L V6, so this work isn't COMPLETE Terra Nova for me, BUT, I WANT TO DO IT EXACTLY RIGHT AND TO THE BEST OF MY ABILITY UNDER THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
You more experienced and knowledgeable Moparians might well know helpful things. If so, and you've the time, your lore will be gratefully perused and pondered.