Blown head Gasket tbi 350

[ChetThe88]

Hello I’m looking for some opinions. I overheated the motor then blew the head gasket. At some point I broke a bolt. This is the DS head Rear cylinder. I think that is #7
The cylinder looks really clean from the steam. The head looks flat against a straight edge. I don’t think the engine has 50k miles on it in total. So can I just put some new gaskets and get back on the road? I’m trying to figure out how to post some pics. Thanks for the tips and advice!

 

[Bent77]

If it was mine, I’d clean that deck, replace the head gasket and tap the hole where the bolt broke and give it a go. Otherwise it’s gonna need machined to fix it, so run it

 

[ChetThe88]

If it was mine, I’d clean that deck, replace the head gasket and tap the hole where the bolt broke and give it a go. Otherwise it’s gonna need machined to fix it, so run it

Kinda what I was thinking. Luckily the bolt came out easily with some vice grips. Since the other head is intact should I bother changing that head gasket since they are sold in pairs?

 

[Bent77]

Yeah especially since you are already that far along. Just make sure the head gaskets are the same thickness as the old

 

[Bent77]

Are you familiar with the torque specs and pattern?

 

[ChetThe88]

Are you familiar with the torque specs and pattern?

I will find in the manual for sure but I can’t tell you from memory! But this is the furthest I have been into the engine so far.

 

[Justin V]

And the glorious application of RightStuff

 

[Bent77]

I will find in the manual for sure but I can’t tell you from memory! But this is the furthest I have been into the engine so far.

Hit the most center bolt first, then go on a circle pattern getting the next closest bolt from the center. Torque 3 times each. I usually go 45# on the first cycle after all the bolts are snug

 

[1-ton]

If you blew a head gasket on a TBI engine, then there is a very good possibility that the head is cracked. TBI heads crack at the "drop of a hat".

 

[Scribbles]

If you blew a head gasket on a TBI engine, then there is a very good possibility that the head is cracked. TBI heads crack at the "drop of a hat".

What 1-ton said, take both to a machine shop and ask them to magnaflux them, it will save you a heck of a lot of headache!

 

[JOES89K5]

I found out after purchase mine had overheated and needed head gaskets. I brought the heads to a speed shop where they checked for cracks then went over valves and seals. I installed the Felpro severduty head gaskets with new ARP headbolts.

 

[ChetThe88]

So instead I went with Summit’s aluminum heads. Recommended by the tbichips.com website. New gasketsand new pushrods but the rest is the same.

So far so good. Engine feels better then ever on the butt dyno at least.

Thanks for all the help and advice!

 

[Bent77]

I like your attitude. Why repair when you can upgrade?

 

[JOES89K5]

Hey ChetThe88 that was a good decision. Which ones did you use any particular ones. Did you upgrade to another intake manifold. Did they recommend you use bolts or studs on head replacement. I was happy to find my 89 K5 but sometimes I wish it had regular carb setup.

 

[ChetThe88]

I went with http://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-162108/overview/ these heads. Fit was great. Only issue is the hole to bolt the dipstick tube is missing. I had to purchase stock length hardened pushrods. I guess they have to be hardened with quite plates.

I have the edelbrock tbi performer manifold. Part of the reason I went with summit heads since they have the angled bolt holes so my manifold bolted right up. The manifold and tbi unit I have are all port matched and polished. I got lucky and found it used on Craigslist. I used new head bolts I bought from summit. I don’t think my power level really calls for head studs.

I live in California so I could not dream of going to a carb. It’s tough to keep this old truck passing smog in stock form. I could do the illegal smog route but that gets expensive and difficult. Personally I like to keep the emissions down. I’m not going to drive a Prius but I’ll at least keep my truck as clean running as possible.

 

[JOES89K5]

Oh yes that smog stuff in Cali. Here in Jersey I’m exempt from inspection cause age of vehicle until further changes. Thanks for info