Have a 84 22r which in last year have lost 2 head gaskets. head tested fine, had a valve job done on it last time was off. shop said it was fine and that it no need to be milled. also said it was already at min specs and to use the thicker gasket. temp never gets above 165, but it has failed once and is starting to fail again on the exhaust side of cyl 2. any thoughts?

 

Block corroded, not flat??

Have you used slipperplate type head gaskets?? What brand??

If so, maybe try an Ishino-Stone plain gasket without slipperplate.

 

Should flatten both the block and head to assure proper sealing.

 

Could be a hairline crack in the block or head. I'd get a HF leak down tester and then test with uv dye.

 

Torquing to the correct Torque ??

65 Foot Pounds .

Not torquing in the proper sequence .

Damaged threads female or male causing false readings

 

Any dirt, rust or metal shavings in the threads? They should be so clean that you can thread new bolts in and out easily by hand.