V6 Head Gasket Questions

superloaf · #1 (**permalink**) 03-13-2007, 02:23 PM

so i received my budget $35 ebay alfa head gasket special today but i had some wonderings about them:

A) the brand is Ajusa, probably a south american brand since spanish seems to be the first language. anyone ever heard of this brand? are they decent quality or am i not aware of someone's thread like "installed ajusa gaskets & my engine blew up?"

B) the head gasket has a tightening sequence as follows:
1) 3 Kpm =21 ft. pounds
2) 6 Kpm 43
3) 9 Kpm 65
4) -90* & +9 Kpm
5) run the engine to total opening of thermostat
6) let engine cool for 4 hours
7) open the cap of the expansion jar of the circuit water cooling
8) -90* & +9Kpm
9) drink a bottle of chianti for your effort

"Retightening-Yes"

jeez, sounds like a fun afternoon, but then do i still need to retorque 1000 miles later? it does have a seperate box calling for "retightening." just wondering if all this is in line with other gaskets instructions. i converted kilograms per meter to foot pounds and came up with 21, 43 & a final torque of 65.
what does #7 do? seems strange to put that in.

ok, any comments or tips appreciated so i don't screw up my new engine.

thanks

**Zunige** · #2 (**permalink**) 03-13-2007, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by superloaf

so i received my budget $35 ebay alfa head gasket special today .... the brand is Ajusa, probably a south american brand ... anyone ever heard of this brand? ...

SamW · #3 (**permalink**) 03-13-2007, 02:52 PM

I used a cheap headgasket once, did not fit right, one of the holes for the head studs did not line up... Had to get a replacement, did not go cheap the second time, hopefully you will have better luck!

superloaf · #4 (**permalink**) 03-13-2007, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zunige

The company is from Spain, not South America. I believe that they have been in the U.S.A. market for a while (at least 10 years), but I've never used their products...

Best regards,

The Rustorator · #5 (**permalink**) 03-15-2007, 09:45 PM

A car came in today and apparently another one a while ago with blow by symptoms, both cars had cheaper headgaskets but will have to look into brand... may just be coincidental but looking into it... I'd recommend you use a good headgasket, never mind the cost, pulling the head a second time due to blow by is unacceptable, oh and the opening of the coolant is both to check for pressure on blow by (Impropper seating of the head OR tearing) that should be done VERY carefully as not to be burned in the process, as well as to check the coolant for oil coolant mixing. Also do chek the compression before you run it for even pressure readings, it will only take you a few extra minutes but it might help you relax before you actually run the car. Other than than hope all goes well and that you enjoy the car.
Cheers

superloaf · #6 (**permalink**) 03-16-2007, 12:43 AM

what the hell good is an alfa with an expensive, reliable head gasket? i mean, come on, why don't i just go buy a honda or something?

please, guys, keep it serious here!

next thing you'll be telling me to replace my timing belt when i put the new head gaskets on.

Bernie Morris · #7 (**permalink**) 03-20-2007, 04:02 PM

(I just started my 88 verde and YES there is oil in the water jacket. I'm assuming:
1. I will need to replace Both Head Gaskets.
2. I will need to purchase a set.
3. There may be help out there in Alfabb world to help as I attempt this project.

My fist questions... is it imperitive to do both heads ? DO I run compression tests to determine which side has the leak? Is there a comprehensive set of notes/instructions for this job? I'll stop here!

I'm also in the process of replacing a blown engine in my 85 gtv6. I'm relaceing it with a 88 Milano engine and yes there are some differences, like the need for a spacer on the flywheel ( I went down that road last summer) Now I'm trying to get the electrical connections back correctly.

Bernie Morris argtv685@aol.com

Quote:

Originally Posted by superloaf

so i received my budget $35 ebay alfa head gasket special today but i had some wonderings about them:

A) the brand is Ajusa, probably a south american brand since spanish seems to be the first language. anyone ever heard of this brand? are they decent quality or am i not aware of someone's thread like "installed ajusa gaskets & my engine blew up?"

B) the head gasket has a tightening sequence as follows:
1) 3 Kpm =21 ft. pounds
2) 6 Kpm 43
3) 9 Kpm 65
4) -90* & +9 Kpm
5) run the engine to total opening of thermostat
6) let engine cool for 4 hours
7) open the cap of the expansion jar of the circuit water cooling
8) -90* & +9Kpm
9) drink a bottle of chianti for your effort

"Retightening-Yes"

jeez, sounds like a fun afternoon, but then do i still need to retorque 1000 miles later? it does have a seperate box calling for "retightening." just wondering if all this is in line with other gaskets instructions. i converted kilograms per meter to foot pounds and came up with 21, 43 & a final torque of 65.
what does #7 do? seems strange to put that in.

ok, any comments or tips appreciated so i don't screw up my new engine.

thanks

SamW · #8 (**permalink**) 03-21-2007, 04:46 AM

Well, sort of depends on if you have the original 2 part head gasket, if you do, I would replace both sides, maybe start with the known bad head and if you have the old style, just replace the other next, once you get to one, you are 90% there to do the other. Hopefully it is the passanger's side (regaurdless of which drive) that way you don't have to pull the brake booster... If you can keep the original flywheel and pulley on the milano engine, I would do that (maybe the engine does not have them), but other than that, you will have a few sensors that will not plug up to anything, might want to replace a few seals, front and rear main, while the engine is out of the car.