Are there any more suggestions for the variables to be listed on the head gasket survey form? Should we do the survey, or not? The survey could produce useful info. If it were to show that using the right coolant/water, or warming up the engine before driving, or some other controable variable was a significant factor in head leaks/failure, then the survey would be worthwhile since people could learn what to do to prolong the life of the heads and gaskets. If, as others suspect, the problem is somewhat random and results from a combination of factors (e.g., defective gaskets combined with porous heads and multiple metals combined in an environment with wide temp ranges) that cannot be compensated for through driving or maitenance habits, then the survey will at least show that perhaps the only thing that can be done is to install coated heads (ceramic, JB weld, etc.) to prevent future corrossion, and expect to change your gaskets every 80k to 100 k as they wear out from age and repeated contraction/expansion. Should we do the survey...or not? I'll draft the survey form (and give it to Ian for his review)...and I'll collect the results...but I would like some help organizing the data if we get a good response. Five or six people could probably get the data in shape for Ian in one evening. It could take one person a week. Is any one interested? steve |
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