vortec heads

Hipster said:

exactly, diagnosed head gaskets without having heads magged

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Not sure what you mean. No issues to diagnose except its filthy

You might not know it’s cracked unless magged.

caw_86 said:

in the near future i plan on replacing the head gaskets, cleaning and replacing worn parts. couple questions as i dont really know where to start. obviously if something fails a visual inspection it should be replaced but i dont think anything should be wrong, nothing has led me to think there would be so far

what parts should be replaced and what should be cleaned and reused.

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Hipster said:

I read through this and not really sure 100% what it is you are even asking or wtf truck you are talking about. Get specific. Nobody wants to play 20 questions with you to give you advice.

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Thanks, Hipster.

Fine. Let's do this the hard way. I'll start with the first four, sixteen more to follow.

1. WHAT ENGINE?

2. HOW MANY MILES?

3. Any plans to open-up the short-block? Cam? Pistons? Oil pump? Timing set?

4. Horsepower/torque goals?

And just as a First Guess, subject to change based on the information provided to 1, 2, 3, and 4:

Foremost: If you're taking this apart for "cleaning", you should drive to a car wash, open the hood, blast the engine, shut the hood and drive home. Change oil 'n' filter. End of project, successful completion. Have an Adult Beverage to celebrate. STOP THERE, until there's an actual problem that needs attention. (Optional: All the "Tune-up" stuff listed later.)

But if you insist:
Rocker arms are shot. Valve springs, retainers are end-of-life. Pushrods should be replaced depending on other mods. Ideally, grind the valves and touch the seats AFTER making sure the valve guides are suitable for use. New valve stem seals. Plane the gasket surfaces of the head to assure they're flat and smooth. Vortec heads have a reputation for cracks, although I've never had experience with that.

If the intake is off and apart, it's nuts to NOT upgrade the injectors to the electronic style.

Good chance the distributor housing and/or distributor gear is worn-out. The housing is plastic junk. Be prepared to scrap the original distributor in favor of something else--Chinese junk replacement, "rebuilt" replacement, OEM replacement...your choice. Make sure you have a scan tool capable of getting the distributor aligned, and verifying all the sensors and computer outputs before and after the engine comes apart.

Inspect and replace as needed, all the usual "tune-up" items--plugs, plug wires, cap, rotor, O2 sensors, fuel and air filters, PCV system, EGR system, and verify that the catalytic converter(s) aren't plugged or defective.

Schurkey said:

Rocker arms are shot. Valve springs, retainers are end-of-life. Pushrods should be replaced depending on other mods.

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Always appreciate a Schurkey comment

1. Its a 98 vortec 5.7
2. 174,000 miles
3. No plans to open Short block up.
4. No power goals, just want to ensure life of engine is extended with quality parts, vehicle is just for cruising around.
If its not painted or polished its dirty, just my opinion.
Injectors are getting upgraded, distributor is getting replaced, all the usual stuff you mention is being done. i dont plan on making any mods to the head, the rocker arms im wanting to get have 1.5 ratio 3/8 stud, i believe that is stock equivalent. Just a little unsure on valve springs

Schurkey said:

Foremost: If you're taking this apart for "cleaning", you should drive to a car wash, open the hood, blast the engine, shut the hood and drive home. Change oil 'n' filter. End of project, successful completion. Have an Adult Beverage to celebrate. STOP THERE, until there's an ac

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best advice I've seen in a while, in short form don't start fixing stuff to the point the truck effed up,

caw_86 said:

Always appreciate a Schurkey comment

1. Its a 98 vortec 5.7
2. 174,000 miles
3. No plans to open Short block up.
4. No power goals, just want to ensure life of engine is extended with quality parts, vehicle is just for cruising around.
If its not painted or polished its dirty, just my opinion.
Injectors are getting upgraded, distributor is getting replaced, all the usual stuff you mention is being done. i dont plan on making any mods to the head, the rocker arms im wanting to get have 1.5 ratio 3/8 stud, i believe that is stock equivalent. Just a little unsure on valve springs

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what's the question? Stock springs would be fine for a stock cam. maybe tired at 200k, so new would be on my list. What kind of answer are you looking for when what ever cam your planning still remains a mystery to the rest of us.

caw_86 said:

Not sure what you mean. No issues to diagnose except its filthy

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you opened this thread stating you were replacing head gaskets. unnecessary if there is not a reason to do so

Yup. Run it until there is a problem. No need to engage in recreational maintenance.

Erik the Awful said:

Yup. Run it until there is a problem. No need to engage in recreational maintenance.

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If it aint broke, don't fix it.

Erik the Awful said:

Yup. Run it until there is a problem. No need to engage in recreational maintenance.

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Lol....never heard the team recreational maintenance before....that's good.
That's what 1/2 of us do just to spend time in the garage away from......not finishing that sentence!