has anyone ever changed only one head gasket and had success?

**chev1988rolet** · 02-22-2012

I am looking into changing the front head gasket on my car. I've done plenty of head gasket jobs but never tried just changing one. Reason I'm changing the gasket is because my head cracked on the driver side near that small freeze plug and now it leaks coolant. Has anyone ever changed only one head gasket and had success? I know the rule is to change both head gaskets on any V type engine but i was hoping i could only do one since i really have no trouble with my gaskets. Thanks in advance for any help.

**OH4CompG** · 02-22-2012

It you tear it down to the point of pulling the heads it's not hard to pull the rear one as well. That being said though, I think you'll probably be ok just changing the front head gasket out when you fix the head.

**chev1988rolet** · 02-22-2012

I didn't want to remove the rear head cuz it was a b***h aligning and bolting on the exhaust manifold to the exhaust pipe. I have a spare head that i'm gonna put. I'm hoping it works cuz I don't have a heavy foot so it should last.

**Explicit_Spade** · 02-22-2012

It is HIGHLY reccomended to have both heads checked (leveled) when doing a head job of any sort. Don't screw yourself in the future by taking the "easy" way out now.

You can disconnect the downpipe at the catback and the rear manifold from the head. This will give you enough room to push the manifold down and out of the way while you do your work up top and you won't have to worry about the downpipe being a PITA to bolt back up. This works best if the front end is elevated on jackstands.

**chev1988rolet** · 02-22-2012

yea i'll probably just end up doing both sides. I had my doubts but I'm sure I wouldn't want the problem to come back in a couple months to bite me in the ass. Thanks

**FordMan77** · 02-22-2012

Yep, both for sure. Just get some new headbolts as the stockers are TTY and not reuseable and call it a day.

**chev1988rolet** · 02-23-2012

here's a picture of the where the crack is. remember its only a crack. Do you guys think i can just apply jb weld and it'll stick since the temperature is high on a cylinder head?[IMG]

[/IMG]

**chev1988rolet** · 02-23-2012

I did a little red circle where the crack is on the Right head but it is on the same spot but on the other side?

**Bio248** · 02-23-2012

i wouldnt JB weld anything. take it apart and have a machine shop fix it the right way.

**mikedinthecity** · 02-25-2012

on this engine its wise to do both head gaskets, also your cracked head..if it cracked from heat i would change both heads...head studs are recommended its worth it and allows it to always come back apart and go back together, and of course metal intake gaskets. dont forget coolant elbows for the tensioner, oil change and antifreeze, spark plugs.

**Explicit_Spade** · 02-25-2012

Originally Posted by Bio248

i wouldnt JB weld anything. take it apart and have a machine shop fix it the right way.

Certainly this! They should be able to weld the crack, or if it's unfixable they will tell you. I definately wouldn't rely on JB weld for this fix job.

About chaning the heads if heat caused the crack, I disagree. That could be the route you need to go, but a machine shop can generally level them if they determine the heads are warped, which would save you some money.

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