Thread: OMGasket(head)
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Old 02-19-2025, 08:45 AM
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Shern Shern is online now
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sugar Bear View Post
That oil consumption is pretty normal, with new seals it won't change a lot even with new guides. I did the gasket because it leaked on my M103 at 280K. The head needed no work other a very minor skim cut and new seals.

I'd focus more on the timing chain and if the car is a long term keeper get the parts to do a valve job if one is needed later as parts could get difficult to find. A head gasket, new bolts, valve seals and guides and store them. Valves are pricey to buy them for an unknown IMO.
Thanks for the data point. I've read in a few places the oil consumption might be tied to the sustained higher rpms seen at cruising speed.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Diseasel300 View Post
Head gaskets can last a very, very long time, especially if the engine is taken care of. 616's are pretty low stress all things considered and the short length of the block and similar metals of both head and block are good things for longevity of the head gasket in general.

Barring a catastrophic overheat or something bad, they rarely just "let go" they give warning and plenty of time to plan for the job. Your most common tattletale is residual pressure in the cooling system or a mystery coolant consumption that can't be traced and all external sources are ruled out. I wouldn't lose sleep over it.

If the head comes off, it's a good idea to do valve guides and get a complete valve job done along with a skim to give a good flat surface. Again, not something worth doing until it's needed.
I appreciate it. Makes perfect sense.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Diesel911 View Post
He would be looking to gain a lot of unwanted trouble.
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