Tech Spec: Nailing Down the Misunderstood Buick Nailhead
Like the Small Block Chevy, the Rocket 88 Olds, the Ford Flathead and the Chrysler Hemi, the Buick Nailhead engine is one of those that has the immortal smell of history all over it. Yet, unlike its more familiar brothers, cousins and even competitors, the Nailhead has an aura of mystery about it as well.
Component Connection: Manifold Destiny
As engine designs continue to evolve, so do the gaskets that the auto makers use to seal the cylinder heads to the intake manifold.
Mitch Schneider: Sealed, Signed and Delivered
Profit, Productivity and Proficiency are destroyed when parts adversely impact our profit model. It doesn’t matter what the reason – someone is going to suffer and I’ll bet you already know who that someone is going to be.
Engine Tech Feature: Choosing the Right Fasteners for the Job
Some of the most stressed-out parts of a high-dollar
Tech Update: Gaskets, Seals, Sealants and Fasteners
Some gaskets can go the distance, while others can not. The factors that typically cause a gasket to fail include age, heat, thermal expansion, abrasion, pressure, vibration, corrosion, material breakdown or poor design.
Closing the Gap on Intake Manifold Gaskets
Back in the days when most engines had cast iron blocks, heads and manifolds, the intake manifold could be easily sealed with simple and relatively inexpensive die cut fiber faced metal gaskets (solid or perforated core). Sealer was usually required to ensure a leak-free installation.
Tech Tip: 1987-93 Jeep 4.0L: Head Gasket Leaks/Seepage Found in Engines
Some vehicles equipped with a 4.0L engine, may experience engine oil leaks/seepage from the head gasket along the right-hand side (tappet rail) of the engine.
Tech Tip: Chrysler 2.0L and 2.4L: Updated Multi-Layer Steel (MLS) Head Gasket Installation Procedures
The MLS gasket was released for production, as a running change, in the 1999 model year for all models except FJ. The new gasket provides superior sealing characteristics, but will require extra care in their installation where a composite gasket was previously in place.
Tech Feature: Taking it to the Streets
We have all seen in our industry that a “streetable” racing engine or a “raceable” street engine appeals to a broad spectrum of potential engine buyers because of its flexibility. Yet, everyday street driving is not the same thing as serious drag racing.
Tech Tip: Honda’s V6 Engine Leaks Oil from Front/Middle/Rear
If oil is leaking from the front, middle or rear of one of the above engines, it may be due to the cast aluminum engine block may be porous in spots. Depending on the location of the leak, seal it with JB Weld or 3-Bond-coated sealing bolts.
Tech Tip: How Can You Tell if a Head Gasket is Leaking or Has Failed?
The first symptoms of a head gasket that is failing are usually a slow loss of coolant with no visible leaks, engine overheating and/or a Check Engine light with cylinder misfire codes.
Tech Tip: GM Liquid Gasket/Engine Sealants Information
In 2005, General Motors consolidated the use of all liquid gaskets/engine sealants. At that time, two sealants replaced all previous sealants referred to in service information and/or the service manual.