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Old 10-24-2016, 03:05 PM   #1
mle1313
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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?
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Old 10-24-2016, 03:06 PM   #2
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Re: Advice on a blown head gasket

Only 40k and a blown head gasket after a rebuild... I would be interested in why it blew out that quick.

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Old 10-24-2016, 03:34 PM   #3
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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.
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Old 10-24-2016, 04:10 PM   #4
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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?
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Old 10-24-2016, 09:03 PM   #5
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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.
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Old 10-24-2016, 09:20 PM   #6
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Re: Advice on a blown head gasket

Could be a cracked block also.
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Old 10-26-2016, 01:19 PM   #7
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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.
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Old 10-27-2016, 12:03 AM   #8
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Re: Advice on a blown head gasket

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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.
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Old 10-27-2016, 07:32 PM   #9
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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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