So now, to the blown head gasket...

[just me]

A socket and hammer are foreign tools?

[j mccormick]

The composite gasket with copper on the outside was the kind of gasket I was referring to in my "soak it in water" tip. You'll see water squeeze out as you torque it down.

Joe

[Cal_Gary]

The proper installation tool ensures that the plug isn't too deep or too shallow in the block-I already have a misfit plug seeping along with one of the saucer type so I want to do this one time only and have ordered a set. I also picked up the copper spray sealer along with a bottle of the red Loc-tite. Man that stuff isn't cheap!
Gary

[just me]

If you have Auto-zone in your area, they loan the tools.

[Sal]

Gary. What are you going to use the red loctite for ?

Sal

[w30bob]

Joe,

Thanks. I didn't know they made a composite head gasket for the 230. Great tip on soaking it.

Gary,

Amazing what they get for a little bottle of Locktite, eh? I always stole the bigger bottle from work.....seems as long as you put the cap on tight they never dry out.

regards,
bob

[j mccormick]

Cal-Gary, that is the kind of gasket I was referring to in my post. The middle part absorbs the water and it compresses better. To install the freeze plugs just clean out the stepped part, put the freeze plug in, with some loctite around the edge. Then with a punch and hammer, hit the center of the freeze plug to make a dent to set it in.

Joe

[Cal_Gary]

Thanks for the responses, guys:

@just me-my Auto Zones here don't have those plug tools to loan;
@Sal, to seal the head bolts once final torque is complete;
@Joe, ok on soaking the gasket-understood; for the freeze plugs, I don't trust myself to do this install w/o the proper tool since I don't have much room to swing the hammer to begin with.

Much appreciated!
Gary

[sturmtyger380]

Take at least a medium sized ballpeen hammer and place the round head touching the freeze plug. Then whack the flat end of the ballpeen hammer with a plastic shot filled hammer. That will put a dimple in the freeze plug and force it in place. I like to coat the edges of the metal plug with something like Super 300 gasket sealer before I place it in the hole. Alan

[Cal_Gary]

Dropped off the head at American Cylinder Head here in town-should have it back by the end of next week.
More to follow,
Gary

[ashyers]

Gary,
Are you going to mill the head to increase the CR? If so I'm curious to know how much you're taking off and how it works out. I'm thinking about doing this and may even angle mill a head if I get inspired.

Andy

[ZGjethro]

I had .020 milled off my head. I had lots of leeway and could have had more taken off

[Cal_Gary]

Hi guys,
After they blast it then magna-flux it, they'll shave just enough off to ensure it's perfectly flat. I'll post photos once I have it back.
Gary

[Cal_Gary]

So I got the head back today-they took off .005 and the surface is perfectly flat. Now I need to address the block and the freeze plugs.
More to follow,
Gary

[T. Highway]

Cool........another picture

Looks like you are going to be back on the road in no time Gary. Is the top of the block pitted at all around the leaking area?

Bert