reasons for blown head gasket(s)?

[Blackened302]

well, i may have a blown head gasket--doing a leak test tomorrow. if so, gonna get the heads flattened out (not sure of the correct term) and slap some new ones on there.

i'm interested in learning what some of the causes are as to prevent this in the future.


over/under torquing?

 

[HGFireHazard]

I believe one of the biggest causes of it is running too lean. As far as over/under torquing, I'm not really sure.

I think it's called decking the heads.

 

[cbarr300]

I've found that the main cause of blowing headgaskets is running on a dangerously lean tune.

Another cause would be overheating, which could warp your heads. That's why some people are weary about using aluminum heads. Cast iron and aluminum have different expansion rates so the head gaskets would undergo more stress.

Improper installation

I'm sure someone else will add some/elaborate

 

[Bosko5.0]

didnt you blow a radiator hose off at the track???

 

[reddy351]

You "deck" a block and "plane" or "mill" heads. All for the same reasons...making a true/flat surface for a head gasket or for raising compression.

 

[BlackGMC]

Did you recently install the heads, if so did you reuse the head bolts?

 

[Blackened302]

yes, recently took off the heads for cleaning and re-used the bolts.

yes, blew my radiator at the track and blew the hose off the t-stat housing a couple times yesterday--which is why we towed it to the shop.