tri-z head gasget

[Scott9]

after sitting for a while I got the tri-z fired up. once we got it to start it was smoking and shooting coolant out of the head gasget. so I purchesed a wiseco top end gadget kit. can I replace the gasget with the motor still in the trike? and is there anything I should be aware of before starting this? I am mechanicly inclined but have never done this before. thanks Scott

[John 4]

Yeah you can do it while the motor is in the chassis, but be sure the head isn't warped. It'll also give you a good chance to check the cylinder condition.
Be sure to report back so this thread can be of use to others!

[Scott9]

thank you. what should I check for on the cylinder? and what's an easy way to tell if the head is warped?

[barnett468]

thank you. what should I check for on the cylinder? and what's an easy way to tell if the head is warped?

Clean the head, mark the sealing surface with black felt pen, lay a full size sheet of 400 sand paper on a granite counter top, marble floor or tape it to a window next to the frame. spray paper with water or wd40, using moderate pressure, rotate head 3 full revolutions then inspect. if felt marks are gone it is flat, if not then sand until all marks are gone.

Same procedure for cylinder after removing studs.

What brand are head gakets?

i would only use us or japanese made ones. install them with no sealer.

[Scott9]

thanks. I have a wiseco top end gasget kit I will be using. I was reading on here and saw about heat cycles on a rebuilt motor, do i need to do heart cycles with the new gasget?

[kb0nly]

Yes, in that you have to torque to specs when you reassemble and then after a few heat cycles recheck the torque. Otherwise with expansion and contraction you will get a leak again. I usually check the torque a few times the first month after rebuilding one, just to make sure its all good. And of course watch for leaks!