Head Gasket Discussion

[Preloader]

I'm not suggesting there is a heavy interest in upgrading the 1.4T OEM head gasket (although it would be fairly inexpensive to have one made) , but since I have one laying around, I'd figure I'd share pictures and open up the topic for discussion.

The OEM is a MLS with only two layers:

I'm not pursuing my engine build at the moment, but if I were I would be considering having at least a 3 layer MLS made ($75-100) and some ARP head bolts.

 

[NewZJ]

If I were to pull the head to change the gasket, maybe porting and polishing the head would show slight improvements for only a few hours of elbow grease

 

[Preloader]

Facepalm. I hope it didn't sound like I suggest pulling the head just to do the gasket by itself. That would be a very disappointing use of time.

The idea is that if you take the head off to do porting, or replace pistons, which seems to be becoming a popular point of interest. THAT would be a good time to trade out the head gasket for something better.

 

[NewZJ]

I knew that's what you meant. In the future it may be more common to have gasket failure and knowing the steps to replace it yourself and what else can be done at the same time would be great.

You can do a lot when you pull the head off

 

[ss2000slp]

Glad to see they went with MLS. Kind of strange/disappointing that they only did 2 layers. Interesting semi-related note. Been working at a small local garage for the last 4 or so years, and replaced a LOT of Subaru head gaskets. Very common problem. Always replaced them with a FelPro kit which uses MLS gaskets instead of the OE "foil" type. I just assumed that Subaru themselves made a design change as well. Nope. Started working at a Subaru dealer about a month ago, still using the same s*** design gaskets. Basically my point here I guess is that given time, Felpro will probably come out with a better design than OE.

 

[ss2000slp]

Where was the failure point on yours, Pre?

 

[Preloader]

Don't know. I haven't opened it up yet. There's even a slight possibility it wasn't even the gasket, and maybe a head crack.

Basically, I was getting massive amounts of water in cyl #2, and #3, and my coolant reservoir reeked of gasoline.

I made the assumption that it was the HG. Which I strongly believe is the case.

I need to choose whether to sell the engine whole for as a project long block, or if I want to take it apart, to investigate, and then just try to sell the head.

 

[krakenredbeard]

Rubbed


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[MPFab]

Don't know. I haven't opened it up yet. There's even a slight possibility it wasn't even the gasket, and maybe a head crack.

Basically, I was getting massive amounts of water in cyl #2, and #3, and my coolant reservoir reeked of gasoline.

I made the assumption that it was the HG. Which I strongly believe is the case.

I need to choose whether to sell the engine whole for as a project long block, or if I want to take it apart, to investigate, and then just try to sell the head.

If it were the HG, you would have been pushing coolant out of the reservoir bottle. Water in the cylinder and gas smell in the res sounds more like you cracked a cylinder. Nice job!!

 

[Preloader]

 

[Eric Smit]

basically bragging rights.

 

[SPOTWORK]

Copper

 

[Scot]

If it were the HG, you would have been pushing coolant out of the reservoir bottle. Water in the cylinder and gas smell in the res sounds more like you cracked a cylinder. Nice job!!

basically bragging rights.

#trendsetting

 

[ChrisJ]

This may come across as dumb, and that's fine.
But don't thicker gaskets usually result in a weaker product where perfectly machined surfaces that don't even require a gasket to not leak are the ultimate?

Would seem like the better the block and head are machined to match, the less the need for thickness in the gasket.

Not sure how that works with an aluminum head and a cast iron block though.

 

[AlaskanDSM]

Preloader, why not donate your spent long block to one of the vendors for something in return (or simply the use of until they no longer need it) to allow further research to be done for the fitment/creation of aftermarket parts like forged internals or a better headgasket as you were suggesting. Or maybe having a block out of the engine bay will allow for some further turbo upgrade mock ups? Just a thought of sorts...

Also, before I saw this thread, I filled out the "Contact Us" section on ARP's website for head studs on the Sonic just to see what they say. I had ARP head studs on my 91 Eagle Talon TSi AWD with an Evo 3 16G turbo on it and supporting modifications. Never had an issue with the head or head gasket.

Speaking of the block, does the block have any freeze plugs on the block that could be adapted for a REAL block heater by chance? I have tried looking up the engine for the 1.4T but I either don't know what terms to search for or I cannot find what I am looking for. It would be nice to know if there is some other option to heat up the block in cold areas with something other than the oil heater that Chevy sells. Thanks.

 

[Preloader]

I already did that with the first longblock. Sent a rod and piston to DDMW for development, and sent a valve and spring to MPFab for research.

I don't believe the block has ant freeze plugs, but I can look more closely.

 

[Sneakerfix]

Head studs and head gaskets both 2mm and 3mm should be available soon.

 

[TheLorax]

Head studs and head gaskets both 2mm and 3mm should be available soon.

Details?

 

[AlaskanDSM]

I already did that with the first longblock. Sent a rod and piston to DDMW for development, and sent a valve and spring to MPFab for research.

I don't believe the block has ant freeze plugs, but I can look more closely.

That's great to hear! I am glad to know that there is the "possibility" of these things eventually coming to!

I would really appreciate it if you could look closer to see if there are any. Thank you very much.

 

[Preloader]

I looked. I didn't see any knock-out freeze plugs, but there are many thread plugs. Several pointed in the direction of the oil pump region.