Head Gasket blowing? is there a way around it?

[KiamyDSM]

Alright i hear that blowing head gaskets is a common problem with dsms. Is there a way around it? something that we can use or do that will prolong the problem? Certain type of head gasket or something?

 

[99gst_racer]

No, it's not a common problem at all.

Make sure you're working with good surfaces, a good fastener, and the proper torque spec, and you should not have problems sealing any type of gasket.

Are you experiencing a specific issue or are you simply wanting to confirm hearsay?

 

[KiamyDSM]

im just confirming what ive heard.

 

[99gst_racer]

It's false hearsay.

If someone if going through head gasket after head gasket, then they're doing something wrong.

I've never had one push coolant, let alone fail.

 

[KiamyDSM]

one more question if its ok? do aftermarket exhaust manifolds get hotter than stock?

 

[JayRolla]

Do your research. Not to say anything against the moderator but it is some what of a common problem. Expecially when running high boost on stock head bolts. 7 bolt motors head studs can stretch under high boost which would cause the head to push coolant. 6 bolt motors head bolts are a lot stronger and usually dont stretch.

 

[99gst_racer]

I suppose we would first have to define "common problem".

On the GM 3.1L engine, they had plastic intake manifold gaskets that were notorious for failing in short time. 80% of them would require a replacement before 60K miles. They eventually redesigned a steel/rubber gasket to replace the plastic one. A friend of mine worked full time for one year at a GM dealership and did nothing but replace these intake manifold gaskets on these engines. I would define that as a common problem.

While it's definitely possible to blow any gasket on any engine, I wouldn't nessacerily say it's common for the 4G63 to fly through head gaskets. Some platforms are known for blowing head gaskets left and right. DSM's aren't known for that.

 

[Kastigir]

The 420A that are in the non-turbos are fairly notorious for blowing headgaskets. Same engine as in the Neon.

 

[TurboTsiThatFly]

I suppose we would first have to define "common problem".

On the GM 3.1L engine, they had plastic intake manifold gaskets that were notorious for failing in short time. 80% of them would require a replacement before 60K miles. They eventually redesigned a steel/rubber gasket to replace the plastic one. A friend of mine worked full time for one year at a GM dealership and did nothing but replace these intake manifold gaskets on these engines. I would define that as a common problem.

While it's definitely possible to blow any gasket on anything engine, I wouldn't nessacerily say it's common for the 4G63 to fly through head gaskets. Some platforms are known for blowing head gaskets left and right. DSM's aren't known for that.

+1 Agreed ive had my dsm for 3 years and havent blown a headgasket yet. and ive been running 16psi on the factory head and block and turbo. although i have replaced the head gasket once when i done the full maitnance to the car. about 3 years ago and counting. Also I Agree This isn't a common problem in the 4g63 motors. Dsm's Aren't Know For this!!!!dont listen to hearsay it's a===

 

[stefanOst]

On the GM 3.1L engine, they had plastic intake manifold gaskets that were notorious for failing in short time. 80% of them would require a replacement before 60K miles. They eventually redesigned a steel/rubber gasket to replace the plastic one. A friend of mine worked full time for one year at a GM dealership and did nothing but replace these intake manifold gaskets on these engines. I would define that as a common problem.

Ha Ha, my friend's father used to have a '98 Malibu, went through 3 headgaskets in one summer. He finally traded it in that fall to get an Altima, and when my friend went into the same GM dealer a week later to get his Cobalt serviced, the car was getting the gasket changed again, and they were still trying to sell it

 

[diambo4life]

Blowing head gaskets on a DSM is NOT a common problem; Idiots "tuning" said vehicles and blowing head gaskets is. DSMs are not MKIII Supras. They are very resilient and it takes good effort to blow the HG on these cars. Stick with the factory head gasket, keep the AFRs sane and avoid detonation ie. don't tune with your butt meter. Pick up logging and monitoring tools like a wideband and one of the many logger/tuning devices available.

 

[toofast82]

Blowing head gaskets on a DSM is NOT a common problem; Idiots "tuning" said vehicles and blowing head gaskets is. DSMs are not MKIII Supras. They are very resilient and it takes good effort to blow the HG on these cars. Stick with the factory head gasket, keep the AFRs sane and avoid detonation ie. don't tune with your butt meter. Pick up logging and monitoring tools like a wideband and one of the many logger/tuning devices available.

Exactly!

I've never blown a headgasket after having a few dsm's. I prefer to crack pistons!
I've had a 14b actuator freeze up and run 30psi+ on a 140k mile 6bolt and the gasket still holds up among other instances I should have blown something up(this didn't result in cracked piston)
These are tough motors and are very forgiving when it comes to poor tuning!

 

[joshs1074]

i blew a head gasket on my spyder 10 years ago. diambo4life is right idiot tuning. ive learned a lot since then!!! as long as you have good tuning you should have no problem

 

[JayRolla]

Exactly!

I've never blown a headgasket after having a few dsm's. I prefer to crack pistons!
I've had a 14b actuator freeze up and run 30psi+ on a 140k mile 6bolt and the gasket still holds up among other instances I should have blown something up(this didn't result in cracked piston)
These are tough motors and are very forgiving when it comes to poor tuning!

Just wait till you start pushing 30+psi on a DD. It tends to happen quite a bit on guys running lots of boost. Seen a lot of people just keep running it even with the blown HG because had just redone the head and didnt want to take it off again.

 

[joshs1074]

i drove my spyder from virginia to wisconsin with the heater on with a blown gasket i wouldnt suggest it