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Head Gasket Headache

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by jeepjunkie, Dec 7, 2014.

  1. Dec 7, 2014
    jeepjunkie

    jeepjunkie 1955 CJ-5, stock-ish.

    Glendale, AZ
    Joined:
    Apr 15, 2012
    Messages:
    62
    I need some help here guys,
    55 CJ with a f-head. I can't keep head from leaking. Coolant is escaping through exhaust. There is no sign of it getting into the oil so far. I took the head to a machine shop and had it checked out and they gave it a clean bill of health. it is always to the #4 cylinder or #3 I took the head off and no signs of damage to the gasket. Last time I retorqued the head bolt after two weeks and 4 weeks of running the motor and it failed on the 5th week. I am not thinking a crack in the head or block because it does fine for a month or so ??
    I appreciate any help I can get on this.
     
  2. Dec 7, 2014
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
    Joined:
    Aug 3, 2003
    Messages:
    9,837
    You actually check the block for cracks? Fairly common in the #3 exhaust valve area, if the coolant ever froze.

    Also the top face of the block should be checked for perfect flatness. I presume the head was...
     
  3. Dec 7, 2014
    47v6

    47v6 junk wrecker! 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    USA
    Joined:
    Oct 25, 2006
    Messages:
    5,801
    magna flux block and head at machine shop?
     
  4. Dec 7, 2014
    jeepjunkie

    jeepjunkie 1955 CJ-5, stock-ish.

    Glendale, AZ
    Joined:
    Apr 15, 2012
    Messages:
    62
    head was checked , I will check the block once I get a flatedge. I doubt coolant freezing... it has been a Phoenix Jeep for at least the last 25 years .
     
  5. Dec 7, 2014
    jeepjunkie

    jeepjunkie 1955 CJ-5, stock-ish.

    Glendale, AZ
    Joined:
    Apr 15, 2012
    Messages:
    62
    That is my next step. I didn't want to do a complete tear down, but at this point i see no alternative.
     
  6. Dec 7, 2014
    wheelie

    wheelie beeg dummy 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor

    York, PA
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    Mar 6, 2004
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    4,518
    Just a thought, and hopefully the more experienced will chime in but, any chance that new head bolts might resolve the issue. Just thinking that, if the bolts have been used several times, i.e. torqued and re-torqued and re-torqued, maybe some are weak or stretched or something.
     
  7. Dec 7, 2014
    blevisay

    blevisay Oh Noooooooooooooooo! Staff Member

    Portland Tn.
    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2002
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    4,350
    You could dye it.............
     
  8. Dec 7, 2014
    blevisay

    blevisay Oh Noooooooooooooooo! Staff Member

    Portland Tn.
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    Sep 20, 2002
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    4,350
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