And the nightmare begins

[4eyedblonde]

OK, So I picked up the 64 Savoy. So far nothing but bs. Blew a head gasket as they were test driving...hmmm
Question is, Theres no water in the oil, the head is leaking coolant at the front (#1cyl). This will seem a no brainer but I want opinions before I get in over my head..no pun intended. Should I (as the mechanic that certified this car says) replace the gasket and carry on? or.Should I pull em both and send off to the engine shop for a rebuild? I'm looking at around $800+ which was not in the cards this soon.
I guess more importantly.....
I pulled one hedder off and coolant streams from the bolts holes...I'm to assume this is normal?
Where can I find info on replacing the heads? Torque specs etc. It's a 69 HP440
Thanks in advance for any help, tips, words of encouragement lol

 

[68sportsatelliteragtop]

The exhaust header bolts go into water jackets, so when you remove the bolt, you will have coolant running out, unless you drain the system, at least below the heads.

 

[RustyRatRod]

No offense, but it sounds like you need to READ a LOT about your car before proceeding. These cars are like stones and bearskins to work on compared to today's cars. In other words, a grammar schooler could learn how to do it. If you can put food in your pie hole with a fork, you can tear that car completely apart and rebuild every single component on it. I'll be damned if I'd be payin somebody to do it as easy as it is. Get you a factory (Chrysler) service manual and read it. Basic hand tools are all you need.

 

[anmracing]

No offense, but it sounds like you need to READ a LOT about your car before proceeding. These cars are like stones and bearskins to work on compared to today's cars. In other words, a grammar schooler could learn how to do it. If you can put food in your pie hole with a fork, you can tear that car completely apart and rebuild every single component on it. I'll be damned if I'd be payin somebody to do it as easy as it is. Get you a factory (Chrysler) service manual and read it. Basic hand tools are all you need.

Agree 100%! There should not be any reason to have someone do something that you can do yourself. Plus save money in the process.

 

[4eyedblonde]

Agree 100%! There should not be any reason to have someone do something that you can do yourself. Plus save money in the process.

Absolutely agree guys. I'm going to re & re the heads myself. I've done it before on my old Monte Carlo. The head rebuild will be done by the qualified shop. I think they should be checked for cracks etc. The one head was blowing smoke on start up anyway.The 800 is the machine shop/Gaskets and god forsaken tax grab this province seems to need so badly.

 

[Propwash]

Heads gaskets $50-60 bucks, Service manual $20-$30 bucks, Swear words...Free. Good luck.

 

[67 coronet]

if just the gasket was blown you should be able to see it when taken apart.always have your stuff checked for cracks and level decks before you put it back together.get a good strait edge and check your block yourself if you are just doing the heads.

 

[4eyedblonde]

if just the gasket was blown you should be able to see it when taken apart.always have your stuff checked for cracks and level decks before you put it back together.get a good strait edge and check your block yourself if you are just doing the heads.

Thanks for the tips. This is a real problem, looks like I have to pull the motor just to be able to access the head bolts. This thing is in tight. I cant pull the header off the the head far enough to get to the head bolts, rediculous really

 

[Nsane]

Should be able to remove the motor mount bolts and jack up the motor enough to remove the headers. Do the work then just jack it back up when done to reinstall the heders. Good luck. I have to pull the dr side header just to remove the starter.

 

[4eyedblonde]

Should be able to remove the motor mount bolts and jack up the motor enough to remove the headers. Do the work then just jack it back up when done to reinstall the heders. Good luck. I have to pull the dr side header just to remove the starter.

Thanks Nsane, Would it be safe to run a board across the pan and lift it rom there or??

 

[Nsane]

yes you should be able too I use a chunk of 2x6. Just watch what is happening so you don't crush anythig you should only need a few inches.

 

[4eyedblonde]

yes you should be able too I use a chunk of 2x6. Just watch what is happening so you don't crush anythig you should only need a few inches.

did that, worked out but now I can't get it back onto the mount!? Spent 3 hrs on it and just can't get the motor to line up with the bolt hole. I tell ya....this just keeps getting better lol

 

[Garys1969RR]

Hi 4 eyed, Welcome to the world of wrenching on big blocks! I also had to raise my engine high enough to clear the headers and access the lower row of head bolts. Its a 69 ROADRUNNER with a 451. To lower it down, you may need to raise the other side slightly. Hopefully you just removed the 1 center through bolt where it goes through the frame. Thats the easy way on a 69 B body. Yours may be different. Torque on the head bolts is 70 ft lbs. Start in the center and work outward from there as the manual says. I use .020 " thick steel shim head gaskets which are available from Mopar for about $25 a pair. Never had one leak. Mopar P/N is P4286754. They are also available from Summit for 21.95 a pair, and work great. Good luck!

- - - Updated - - -

Also, its a good idea to start with 30 ft lbs head bolt torque, then 50, then finally 70 ft lbs. Pulls the head down to the block more evenly.

 

[4eyedblonde]

Hi 4 eyed, Welcome to the world of wrenching on big blocks! I also had to raise my engine high enough to clear the headers and access the lower row of head bolts. Its a 69 ROADRUNNER with a 451. To lower it down, you may need to raise the other side slightly. Hopefully you just removed the 1 center through bolt where it goes through the frame. Thats the easy way on a 69 B body. Yours may be different. Torque on the head bolts is 70 ft lbs. Start in the center and work outward from there as the manual says. I use .020 " thick steel shim head gaskets which are available from Mopar for about $25 a pair. Never had one leak. Mopar P/N is P4286754. They are also available from Summit for 21.95 a pair, and work great. Good luck!

- - - Updated - - -

Also, its a good idea to start with 30 ft lbs head bolt torque, then 50, then finally 70 ft lbs. Pulls the head down to the block more evenly.

Thanks for all that info Gary. much appreciated! I found my mistake. Loosened the bolts to the left side motor mount plate but not the actual bolt to frame and lifted it off the right side mount bolt. Ended up needing a 2x4 and a hammer to straighten out its attitude. She's back on the mounts now. Yep..redneck style! lol