Replacement Head Gasket (RB20DET)

[46n2]

Well, apparently I'm running on 5/6cyl's because my head gasket is mildly blown. Time for a new one...

What's the difference (advantagesdisadvantages) of a copper head gasket compared with the factory gasket?

Some **** at what is probably the only imported spares places in sticksville told me that the only difference is the way they look and it really comes down to personal preference. That just sounds STUPID!

So can anyone give me the real deal?

Also,

What sort of damage can be done to the engine from driving with a blown head gasket?

46n2:burnout:

[teka]

"What sort of damage can be done to the engine from driving with a blown head gasket? "

A LOT, depending if it gets as bad as taking water into the bores (bent conrods etc), which in it's current state it won't get any better. I would keep driving to a minimum.

[46n2]

:eek: " if it gets as bad as taking water into the bores (bent conrods etc) "

See it all started when it was running lumpy (missing on #6). So we changed the plugs, checked the coils, checked and cleaned the injectors, compression test(?) on radiator, compression test in cylinders.

The wierd thing is that the Compression test came up OK, and so the mechanic came to the conclusion that it was only leaking under load... Would the damage to the rest of the engine be as bad as a gasket that was shot entirely???

46n2

[teka]

"compression test(?) on radiator"

Yep, they pressure tested the cooling system.

Sometimes there can be a "slow leak" when water leaks into the combustion chamber, hence there is no water apperas in the oil (evaperated), Copper gasket take more compression, also thicker (generally), do a search for more info. As I said before the gasket will get NO better, only worse, you risk damage if you it gets worse. Compression test would come up ok, as would a leak down test.

[46n2]

Thanks Teka...

I'll be ordering the copper Gasket next week...

What tools will I need to pull it all apart?

46n2

[teka]

torque wrench is always a good idea:) , and all the torque settings, timing etc, I would get someone to help you that knows there shit. Or you could get a workshop to do it.

You would also want to confirm that it is the head gasket that is causing the motor to run 5/6, (could be coil etc, just an example)

[46n2]

Thanks

It's most likley to be the head gasket. The coils have been tested, plugs replaced etc.

I'll cross my fingers and hope for the best.

46n2