Blew head gaskets on cylinders 1 and 6 (first found by cyl 1 being flooded with coolant). To start, this is my first time this deep into the 3VZE (or any engine for that matter) but I'm up for the challenge.

So far, the heads are off and I have sent them to a shop to get cleaned, surface, pressure tested and if needed, valve work.

My block is still in the car (really didn't want to have to take it out unless necessary). Looking for some advice now from those who know much better than me. Everything is cleaning well except for around cyl 1.

Right side feels smooth everywhere. Looks like the coloration that is still there is just staining on the metal? Are these clean enough?

Left side is the issue. There is some rusting in one corner but that of course is where there is no gasket coverage so probably not as worried about that. Cylinder one is the real problem in the last two picks. On the piston itself, you can see two little gouges. It looks like these may have come from the fire ring on the gasket when it blew? The metal of the fire ring was bent into the cylinder around these locations. Should I be okay leaving this or do I need a new piston there?

Also, you can see on the surface around the cylinder, there is some light pitting (from the coolant?) not sure if this is something I should worry about or not. Like I said, was trying to avoid having to remove the block but looking for advice now that I am at this point. Am I stuck having to get these milled?

Block surface right
Block surface left
Cylinder 1 marked up
Cylinder 1

 

Oh, and so far I have been scraping it with plastic scrapers and where the graphite was heavier, razor blade (carefully). Then going over with green and blue scotch pads. Finally I started using a fine grit sanding block but didn't want to go to far with that. Using Acetone for cleanup

 

What do the cylinder walls on no, 1 look like?

 

Cylinders all look good. Other than a little bit of carbon deposit at the very top of the cylinder (top 1/8"?), the cylinders are all nice and smooth. no nicks catching on fingernails, no visible damage.

 

That makes the decision harder. I'm worried about the roughness at the top front of no. 1 right on the edge of the cylinder. That is the critical sealing point. I'd like to see that smooth.

 

Do you think it's something that light sanding with fine grit can solve or some kind of filler (seems like there's balance on the forums between those who love vs hate the use of jbweld as a filler).

 

No filler is correct, or useful for smoothing the block deck

The corrosion on your block is what it is. A new headgasket may hold for a long time, or it may not.

Decking the block is the correct fix, and maybe milling the heads too.

Head gaskets should be installed clean and dry on head and block surfaces degreased with acetone.

 

Localized sanding would only make it worse. If you remove any material it has to be evenly over the entire deck.

 

Cleaning oh what fun. This comment will prove why I oddly LOVED this video. Most people think my normal engine compartment cleaning on my projects is way crazy.



Kodi

 

Scotchbrite and sandpaper? No! https://caddyinfo.ipbhost.com/topic/...round-engines/

 

What millball said. Put a straightedge across it and it will probably convince you to get it decked.

Only way I'd just stick a gasket on is if it was my only option to get home from BFE. It sucks to be told this but you asked and it's the correct way. Ask your machinist. Good luck with your truck. I hope all goes well.