Blown Head Gasket... What's next?

[df2x4]

X2 on the GM factory service manual. It's the only one worth having IMO. You can find them used on eBay, or buy them new from Helm Inc.

https://www.helminc.com/

 

[Curt]

Got around to doing the compression test over the weekend.

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I am more than happy with those results. Time to purchase the parts for the top end rebuild.

Bought a 1996 C/K Truck service Manual on eBay the other day, can't wait for that to come in. I bought the Haynes manual also to see what it was before I spent the money on the GM one and you guys were right, the Haynes manual isn't that impressive IMO.


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[slowburb]

I can't tell from the pics what those intake manifold gaskets are. If they aren't Felpro# MS98000T, DO NOT USE THEM. You absolutely need MS98000T intake manifold gaskets. They are the only gaskets known to work without failure on an L31.

 

[Curt]

I can't tell from the pics what those intake manifold gaskets are. If they aren't Felpro# MS98000T, DO NOT USE THEM. You absolutely need MS98000T intake manifold gaskets. They are the only gaskets known to work without failure on an L31.

The kit I'm going to be getting is this: https://www.amazon.com/Fel-Pro-HST7733PT16-Gasket-Head-Set/dp/B001C98GAO

I'll do some research and see what intake manifold gaskets those are. Thanks for the heads up.


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[skylark]

I agree with making sure that you have the good Fel-Pro gaskets. We just pulled apart a Vortec the other day that had the standard Fel-Pro gaskets and they were blown all over the damn place.

 

[Curt]

I can't tell from the pics what those intake manifold gaskets are. If they aren't Felpro# MS98000T, DO NOT USE THEM. You absolutely need MS98000T intake manifold gaskets. They are the only gaskets known to work without failure on an L31.

I agree with making sure that you have the good Fel-Pro gaskets. We just pulled apart a Vortec the other day that had the standard Fel-Pro gaskets and they were blown all over the damn place.

Did some research and based on the description it comes with all of these gaskets:
Fel-Pro MS98000T int. man. gasket: https://www.amazon.com/Fel-Pro-MS-98000-Permadryplus-Manifold/dp/B000CH0C0Y
Fel-Pro VS50088R valve cover gaskets: https://www.summitracing.com/parts/fel-vs50088r/overview/
Fel-Pro 501SD head gasket (x2): https://www.summitracing.com/parts/fel-501sd
Fel-Pro SS70945 Valve Stem Seals (Gonna take a guess on these, the description was not clear for the valve cover seals): https://www.summitracing.com/parts/fel-ss70945

The description of the head gasket set: http://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=1292333&cc=1302826&jsn=27

 

[Curt]

I'm waiting on the service manuals to come in before I purchase all the parts needed/wanted for the work. So far I have these saved:
Head Gasket Kit: https://www.summitracing.com/parts/fel-hst7733pt16
Thermostat: Don't have a specific one in sight, any recommendations?
Valve Covers (Don't need them, but it'll make the engine bay look nice): https://www.summitracing.com/parts/...make/chevrolet/year/1996/engine-size/5-7l-350 OR https://www.summitracing.com/parts/pro-141-131/

 

[df2x4]

Thermostat: Don't have a specific one in sight, any recommendations?

ACDelco 131151 is the factory 195 degree part, and what I run in both of my trucks. No issues, ever.

 

[Curt]

ACDelco 131151 is the factory 195 degree part, and what I run in both of my trucks. No issues, ever.

Thanks for the recommendation! Added it to my shopping list.

 

[cool_as_crap]

I recommend replacing the head bolts. They stretch over time and they're too cheap not to.
My factory service manual specifies to replace them whenever the heads are removed.