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What head gaskets , 454

D

Doug Londborg

New member
Ok, I put two rebuilt crusader 454's in last year, port runs great, starboard, I started it yesterday, it started right up but it's only running on 6 cylinders, looks like it bent two exhaust valves for the third time. So, my question, the 454 is 1985 with 1972 heads and I have two sets of fresh 1995 peanut heads, but if I remember right the water flow to the heads are different? Can I use them and what head gasket do I use?
 
Ayuh,... Which 2 cylinders are ya bendin' the valves in,..??

Same cylinders all 3 times,..??
 
#6 and I haven't took the valve cover off the other side but it will be an exhaust too, last time it was #3 and don't remember the other side. First time I don't remember witch ones. I need to know if I can use the newer heads on the earlier motor. Then I can work on my water problem.
 
I suspect that old bugaboo with BB Chevies has bitten you--water in the exhaust ports due to (excessive valve overlap?) If so, the valves tend to rust enough so that they stay open and get whacked by the piston.

Sorry.

Jeff
 
fastjeff said:
I suspect that old bugaboo with BB Chevies has bitten you--water in the exhaust ports due to (excessive valve overlap?) If so, the valves tend to rust enough so that they stay open and get whacked by the piston.

Sorry.

Jeff
Click to expand...
Yep, I have both set up the same, port works great, starboard, not.
 
I would suspect the elbow, risers, then manifolds in that order....unless you are using a non-stock cam.

As far as using the newer heads on an older block - generally that will work but depends upon the specific castings you have...take the heads to your favorite machinist and they should be able to tell you whick gaskets to use.
 
Don't work, one of the water jacket holes on the newer heads will be open to the valley. I just set one on to see, got my little mirror out, it's close but, don't work.
 
So, I got the heads home, It's Saturday the shop not open tell Monday. I pulled all the exhaust valves, the two stuck ones I had to press them out. I found my problem, six SS valves, two stock run in your truck valves. Thinking not using that shop anymore.
 
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