Reinstalling heads/exhaust

legendlc
Aluminum Star
Posts: 181
Joined: Tue Mar 01, 2016 6:50 pm

Reinstalling heads/exhaust

Post by legendlc »

Head finally came back from machine shop now it's time to start re-installing everything. Any tips/tricks out there? Would love to hear them if so. I have exhaust system fully disassembled down to the end caps on the logs. Newly rebuilt head that had to have valves reseated and one totally replaced and everything clearanced.
1978 37 Double Cabin
Lake Cumberland KY
ddependo
Royal Aluminum Star
Posts: 292
Joined: Mon Jul 14, 2014 10:00 am

Re: Reinstalling heads/exhaust

Post by ddependo »

I find it helpful to get the studs to hold the manifold and gaskets in clace. I also use a long bolt with the head cut off to hold the exhaust hose in place to get the bolts started. Go back and re torque when it has been run.
my 2 cents
Wayne
1973 32 express fly bridge
Chattanooga
"Southern Lady"
Fastjeff
Site Admin
Posts: 1521
Joined: Sat Jul 12, 2014 5:06 am
Location: Rock Halll, MD

Re: Reinstalling heads/exhaust

Post by Fastjeff »

1. Use the best damn head gaskets you can find!

2. Put a LIGHT coat of silicone on both sides of every exhaust manifold/ riser/ etc. gasket.

3. As Wayne said, retorque the head bolts after the motor is up to temperature.

Jeff
"We live at the bottom of an ocean of air, not at the top." General Marvage Slatington
legendlc
Aluminum Star
Posts: 181
Joined: Tue Mar 01, 2016 6:50 pm

Re: Reinstalling heads/exhaust

Post by legendlc »

Jeff, any recommendations on head gaskets? I have a fel-pro PermaTorque blue stripe to go back on but can change that easily as I won't start on the head for a few days.
1978 37 Double Cabin
Lake Cumberland KY
Fastjeff
Site Admin
Posts: 1521
Joined: Sat Jul 12, 2014 5:06 am
Location: Rock Halll, MD

Re: Reinstalling heads/exhaust

Post by Fastjeff »

Good choice.

Jeff
"We live at the bottom of an ocean of air, not at the top." General Marvage Slatington
legendlc
Aluminum Star
Posts: 181
Joined: Tue Mar 01, 2016 6:50 pm

Re: Reinstalling heads/exhaust

Post by legendlc »

Jeff, would you put silicone on head gasket? If I remember correctly the parts guy said to not use any on it?
1978 37 Double Cabin
Lake Cumberland KY
Fastjeff
Site Admin
Posts: 1521
Joined: Sat Jul 12, 2014 5:06 am
Location: Rock Halll, MD

Re: Reinstalling heads/exhaust

Post by Fastjeff »

A thin smear of it around the water passages won't bother a thing.

Jeff
"We live at the bottom of an ocean of air, not at the top." General Marvage Slatington
legendlc
Aluminum Star
Posts: 181
Joined: Tue Mar 01, 2016 6:50 pm

Re: Reinstalling heads/exhaust

Post by legendlc »

Much appreciated sir.
1978 37 Double Cabin
Lake Cumberland KY
Difrenzi
Member
Posts: 10
Joined: Thu Aug 31, 2017 8:16 pm

Re: Reinstalling heads/exhaust

Post by Difrenzi »

I’m looking into a possible blown head gasket on a 1977 318 28’ fly ridge. The motor has 1,800 hours. My question is with this many miles does it make sense to repair and replace only the upper half of the engine. Any advice will be appreciated.
Boat is in eastern Kentucky. Cave Run Lake.
Fastjeff
Site Admin
Posts: 1521
Joined: Sat Jul 12, 2014 5:06 am
Location: Rock Halll, MD

Re: Reinstalling heads/exhaust

Post by Fastjeff »

It depends on how much damage the break in the gasket did to the BLOCK. obviously, the head can be replaced without hauling the motor out, but if the gasket break "fire gouged" the block you're screwed.

That happened to me. Ran less than a half hour at cruising speed and the damage was done.

Jeff
"We live at the bottom of an ocean of air, not at the top." General Marvage Slatington
Post Reply