Head gasket help

8

89SupercoupeSC

Registered User
I think my head gaskets are leaking on my 89SC, there are bubbles coming into the coolant reservoir only at low rpm which is strange and the coolant reservoir is brown inside from exhaust gas (I have cleaned the coolant reservoir before). Also always had overheating problems in city driving and if idling for too long. I have some questions about changing the head gasket:

1. Head gaskets: FEL-PRO 9642PT1 x2, Intake manifold seals: FEL-PRO MS940451, Exhaust manifold seals: FEL-PRO MS91346, Valve cover gaskets: FEL-PRO VS50070R, Cylinder head bolts FEL-PRO ES72131 x2
All from rockauto, is that all I need for the job?

2. Some head gasket kits include valve stem seals, should I change them as well with 80k on the engine? APEX AHS4096 Head gasket kit includes them but are the head gaskets good quality or should I go with fel-pro? What about a valve job? I will resurface the heads or at least check for warping.

3. Where can I find a tech article/tutorial for the job with torque numbers and other important stuff?
 
3

35th

Registered User
I had a machine shop put new valve stem seals when I had mine resurfaced and as far as quality not sure about apex I used felpro
 
K

KMT

Registered User
I think my head gaskets are leaking on my 89SC,

AutoZone will rent you a 'combustion gases' kit that will confirm so you can proceed with confidence.

1.) Fel-Pro Upper Engine Gasket HS 9642 PT-1...is the top end set, which should include a pair of head gaskets. Just 1, not x2.

2.) Discuss with your machine shop, but if the heads are taken down, you might as well have the valves recut, and valve guides checked, etc. etc., again, let your machine shop check your heads and see what they say. Also ask if they can do an RA-20 finish on the heads.

3.) (a) Factory Shop/Repair Manual - if you don't already have one, they can be purchased online, try eBay. (b), right here...search will help locate tons of threads on the process.
 
K

KMT

Registered User
When I did my h'gaskets back in 2018, I found nearly 30 other items that made sense to do during the process, from fresh injectors to resealing the dipstick, fresh power steering pump and seals, new plugs, wires, oil/filter, thermostat, coolant & radiator cap...the list goes on, but of course what you may need to include obviou$ly depend$.
 
Tim Groth

Tim Groth

SCCoA Member
You needing tear down instructions or torque sequence items?

Most of its found on here if needed. The manual is a joke 9 outta 10 times.

-Tim
 
Tim Groth

Tim Groth

SCCoA Member
I posted on YouTube how to tear the engine down to the long block...once you're there it's pretty straight forward.


If you need torque sequence etc I can post if that helps.

-Tim
 
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