Changing a head gasket.

[shotgunvic64]

I am in the process of changing the head gasket on my 69 Valiant and I noticed a small groove in between the 1st and 2nd cylinders on the top face off the block. I am changing it because the /6 overheated because the coolant had been leaking from the water pump, which I just replaced, and oil was coming out from the gasket and bubbling and causing me to stall. Nothing looks warped and there was no chocolate milk problems, but that little groove has me a little worried. Any knowledge is appreciated.

 

[CudaJunction]

Can you hang a fingernail in it thats when its a problem.

 

[shotgunvic64]

No its smooth and not really deep.

 

[72Dart6pack]

Look for signs of leakage on the head gasket in that area. If nothing found? Don't worry about it. Replace with new head gasket and move on.

 

[Killer6]

If there's enough deviation from the nominal surface to use "deep" in the description, it's a problem, especially when it runs right through both of
the firing rings.....................................I'm more interested in pics of the old gasket........both sides.................

 

[pishta]

.I'm more interested in pics of the old gasket........both sides.................

That will tell you of tracking for sure. Modern gasket will fill that, but the old steel shim would not.

 

[joesnow]

While it off..take a little of the head and raise the compression.