Ok, I am victim of bad head(s), there was a TSB about the Castech heads cracking. I have slow coolant loss,with no sign of leak. Drained oil today and full of sludge. I need some assistance here. I am going to pull the valve covers to see which head is bad. I have already pulled plugs but couldn't tell which side.

I have never replaced a cylinder head. I am good at working on cars, any advice. How difficult is this, should I be able to do it in a weekend?

Do I need just the rebuilt head, any suggestions where to get them, head and valve gaskets? Any special tools? Any where that I can find a "How to"

Thanks for your help

 

I believe an intake manifold gasket with give you those same symptoms. A real expert will chime in here shortly.

 

not a bad head to pull. easier if you have access to a rack and can pull the front tire and inner fender out. but you can check at least one in a weekend, depending on skill level and how much time you've got.

i'd get head, valve cover, and intake gaskets.

 

I suspect a head gasket is going bad. Pressure check each cylinder.

 

+1 definitely where I would start.

 

Done a few. Pressure test the coolant system and take off the valve covers. If the head is cracked you will see coolant trail in the boss of the head were the head bolts are. It may take a while for the coolant to show but the area will be clean from the coolant. The coolant mixes in the valve cover area not combustion chamber. I will try to find a picture of the area.

 

Guys, I really appreciate all of this advice. Thank You

 

Pictures

 

get new heads

 

not bad to change out cylinder heads, used to work in a cylinder head rebuild shop. one of our competitors was Alabama Cylinder Head Exchange, very good place. should be able to look up online, and get a number and call them. If its the head, but aluminum GM V-8's in my experience the cylinder head doesnt crack, so most likely a head gasket. which would be good for you cause thats a afternoon job or a weekend job if you arent familiar with it.