4-152 Head Gasket Change


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Post Wed Jun 20, 2018 10:56 am

4-152 Head Gasket Change

Realizing a little late that I probably should have checked compression before I removed the cylinder heads, what else should I be looking for while I have the head off of my '64 C900?

I'm taking the head to be decked now, as the motor over heated and I want to be sure there is a flat mating surface. The HG was definitely leaking coolant around cylinders 3 and 4. While I have it apart though is there anything I can inspect on the bottom end? I wouldn't mind doing a full rebuild if it's needed, but don't want to touch the bottom end if I don't have too.

I also was considering porting and polishing the head for a little better flow, unless there are any reasons I shouldn't. Just want to make sure she's running healthy and breathing as good as she can.
1964 International C900 Pickup
1987 Subaru RX-Turbo
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Post Wed Jun 20, 2018 12:43 pm

Re: 4-152 Head Gasket Change

Have them check the valves, guides and put new seals on the stems while they have it.
Look at the top of the bore and see how big a ridge it has, and if you can still see any crosshatching in the bores. If no or minor ridge and the bores still show some cross hatch (not all polished) then I would leave enough alone.
Its always a question on how far to go, but there could be something else more pressing on the truck that needs your money.
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Post Wed Jun 20, 2018 3:28 pm

Re: 4-152 Head Gasket Change

Cornbinder89 - Thanks for the info! I plan to check the valves and guides, as well as place new seals on the stems as well. I was going to lap the valves myself just for peace of mind.

Regarding the bore, I will have to check again when I get home. If I remember correctly I don't believe there was any ridge at the top of the cylinder, if I remember correctly, I believe the bore appeared polished in all cylinders with no signs of crosshatching. If that's the case should I move deeper into the motor? I'm guessing the next step be to get it bored and install new piston's and rings?

I don't have anything more pressing at the moment with the truck and would rather get the bottom end done if it needs it, though I know it will be a few hundred dollars in parts and machine work to get it done. That way I can feel more comfortable driving it around and not worry about the state of the motor.
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Post Wed Jun 20, 2018 4:49 pm

Re: 4-152 Head Gasket Change

If no ridge to speak of, and you wanted to do more, I would just pop the pistons out, hone and re-ring whatever size the piston is (Std, .010 etc), with only 4 to do, should be fairly cheap, and you could roll in new bearing in the bottom end/
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Post Thu Jun 21, 2018 1:18 pm

Re: 4-152 Head Gasket Change

Thanks! I'll be cleaning up the carbon deposits at the top of the cylinder this weekend to get a better look at the ridges at the top of the cylinder wall. I'll most likely be taking the Pistons out, check the bore and put some new rings in it.

How hard is it to put new bearings in it?

Does this block use the same camshaft as the 304 it's based on? If so, are there any options for a higher lift cam at all and would I see any real benefits from one?
1964 International C900 Pickup
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2017 Subaru WRX

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Post Thu Jun 21, 2018 4:31 pm

Re: 4-152 Head Gasket Change

Awdsome001 wrote:Does this block use the same camshaft as the 304 it's based on?


No.
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Post Fri Jun 22, 2018 12:00 pm

Re: 4-152 Head Gasket Change

Well, my heads aren't looking to good at the moment. It overheated enough to crack the heads between the intake valve and the sparkplugs.

What are my options for possible replacement heads?
1964 International C900 Pickup
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Post Fri Jun 22, 2018 12:48 pm

Re: 4-152 Head Gasket Change

V304 head is the same.

However, there are two styles of head, depending upon which pistons your engine has.

Contoured or Flat Top ??? Use the corresponding cylinder head.
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Post Fri Jun 22, 2018 1:18 pm

Re: 4-152 Head Gasket Change

Before you go any further, run a straight edge over the block deck to see that it hasn't warped too. No sense spending more money on a head if the block needs to come out and be decked, or worse.
Talk to your shop, there are many ways to repair a head, or they may have a source for a replacement. If they are going to repair, ask what kind of warnentte comes with the repair.
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Post Mon Jun 25, 2018 10:45 am

Re: 4-152 Head Gasket Change

Thanks! I have the contoured pistons. Are there any benefits from going with a 304 head over a 152?

I actually found one up for sale, casting # 373126-02. From what I can tell it's from a 74 - 84 304 W/Air. Will that work for me?

I asked about repair and they weren't interested in repairing it, they also put feelers out for a replacement head with no success so far. The block looks good so far, but I don't have a proper straight edge (I used a stainless steel ruler) I ordered one to check the block with. The heads weren't warped at all, just cracked between the valve and spark plugs so I'm hoping the block will be fine.
1964 International C900 Pickup
1987 Subaru RX-Turbo
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