Cylinder head and Gasket

[DanD]

So after getting my 82 spider running, I am finding that it is consuming Antifreeze, and I presume this is a head gasket issue. It appears to puff a bit out the exhaust during warmup, but when driving it seems to be pushing fluid past the radiator cap and overfilling the overflow container. Re bleeding or topping up simply leads to more of the same.

As I bought the car with a bad radiator, I am assuming that this is an overheat, head gasket, warped head issue. Valves seem fine, but I am assuming that I will need a skim or a hand lap on the head. I was wanting to use a Guy Croft Gasket, but I don't see anyone selling them in the US. What is the preferred heavy duty gasket these days ?

[Ramzi]

We have the GC Head gaskets in stock... just not on the web site.

Which one are you looking for?

[majicwrench]

You are assuming way too much. You need to make sure it is head gasket. You need to check head to see if it is flat. Don't just go surfacing it..
Test test test

[So Cal Mark]

I offer a MLS gasket for your motor

[DanD]

Thanks for the fast responses. I will absolutely check the head before I send it out. I will give it the hairy eyeball, and throw a two foot machinists straight edge on it for good measure.

What is an MLS gasket ? Years ago I used to be able to get a slightly thicker head gasket for these motors with a bigger fire ring around the cylinder. A problem solver kind of a deal.

[So Cal Mark]

multi layer steel-it's the latest technology in head gaskets

[BERGFIAT]

The Fiat TC is a perfect application for the MLS and I wouldn't replace a head without one. The multiple layers negate the "scrubbing" effect between the block and cylinder head that eventually cause a HG to let go. This scrubbing/movement is most prevalent in iron block / aluminum head scenarios. On top of all this, the MLS is normally reusable.

[BERGFIAT]

I might add that Ra (roughness of finish) of the cylinder head surface and to a lesser extent the block mating surface (check me on this) is an important consideration when using an MLS head gasket. I'm sure Mark can fill you in on the specifics.

[DanD]

Well, the head has been ready to come out, I just need to corral someone into pulling it off with me.

[DanD]

Head is off and cleaned up nicely. Checks out with no warp and a slight low spot between cylinders 1and 2 of .0015 inch, and about the same on the driver's side front corner. Head surface is very smooth. I haven't cleaned up the block yet, but the bores are very nice looking with almost no ridge at the top.

You are assuming way too much. You need to make sure it is head gasket. You need to check head to see if it is flat. Don't just go surfacing it..
Test test test

Head was coming off anyway, It was already mostly disassembled when I posted. What else should I be looking for ? Do I need to be concerned about cracks anywhere , or is there something else I should check out ?

[So Cal Mark]

check the water passages on the underside of the head. Electrolysis can erode them right into the fire ring area

[DanD]

Head looked good. Needed to helicoil one stud for the exhaust manifold, but otherwise everything was good. I didn't wind up using the MLS gasket, as I was reading up on them, and I couldn't really say that the finish of the head and block were good enough. Consequently, I wound up with the heavy duty Fel-Pro gasket. Both are nice looking pieces.

The car fired right up and runs great, with no coolant consumption, but with a higher idle. My suspicion is that the intake cam was off one tooth when I got the car. I have no idea if that was a deliberate attempt to retard the intake cam or not. The guy I bought it from said it had hot cams, like that is going to improve a stock FI engine.

We will see. The idea is to make it a runner, and take it from there.