Questions after pulling off head

[Lunch_Box]

Well my exhaust was puffing some white smoke so I thought that I had blew my head gasket or cracked the head. When I was taking out the head studs everyone was covered in oil, then when I pulled the head off the head gasket wasn't dry. Shouldn't it be completely dry? Do you think that the head is cracked, the head gasket looked fine but do you think it is that, or have the head studs gone bad and can't keep there torque properly?

 

[shadowracer]

Before you pulled the head, did you do a compression or a leak-down test? If ever a problem pops up that seems questionable, that is a very good place to start and also take a peek at your spark plugs to look for any tell-tale signs. You may not have had to pull the head at all, and if pulling the head was nessesary, you would have an idea of what the problem is or at least an idea of where to look.

That being said, when I rebuilt my 6-bolt all the head-bolts were oily as they should be(oil is used as an aid to set torque). As for the head gasket I wasnt paying real close attention, but I dont believe it was soaked. It was probably a little wet from some residual coolant and oil from the head being lifed from the block. You want to replace the head gasket anyways. Also measure the length of your head-bolts to check for stretch, they may need to be replaced as well. Good-luck and have fun, if your not already a mechanic, these cars will turn you into one!!!!!

greg