M35A2 low power, white smoke & rough idle

[o1951]

Suggest checking block too. Occasionally, I used to find similar low spots between cylinders.

 

[The HUlk]

Is there something specific that causes these gaskets to fail often and/or is it something that can be prevented to some extent? (I'm a gas engine guy so maybe it's a diesel thing) Seems like I see or have seen a lot of posts about failed head gaskets, could be only because people never post about how well or long their head gaskets last I suppose. Are there any MF's out there with head gasket that have lasted "forever"?

My guess would be intesnse heat is what degrades the gaskets. Because the place between the cylinders has the least amount of mass it gets hotter degrading quicker. Using the highest quality and heat rated gasket available may help extend the frequency between replacing them and reduce the risk of engine damage.

 

[rustystud]

My guess would be intesnse heat is what degrades the gaskets. Because the place between the cylinders has the least amount of mass it gets hotter degrading quicker. Using the highest quality and heat rated gasket available may help extend the frequency between replacing them and reduce the risk of engine damage.

The later head gaskets have a better "fire ring" then the older two piece ones. If you have the money you can have a circle cut into the heads for the fire rings to set into. The guys who run these engines in tractor pulls do that trick. It allows for more compression also.

 

[TB58]

The later head gaskets have a better "fire ring" then the older two piece ones. If you have the money you can have a circle cut into the heads for the fire rings to set into. The guys who run these engines in tractor pulls do that trick. It allows for more compression also.

If you were to have them cut the circles would you use the standard fire ring that is part of the later gaskets, or would you find a thicker one?

 

[rustystud]

If you were to have them cut the circles would you use the standard fire ring that is part of the later gaskets, or would you find a thicker one?

Having never done this I can only assume that they must go with a larger fire ring.

 

[Cantrade]

Well, the good news is that I think I can close this thread out. I had the heads milled .005" each and they came out flat as Florida. I reassembled the engine using the new upgraded head gaskets and it started and ran after about 3 tries. The head gasket set from Memphis Equip was really complete. The engine starts quickly, has the expected power and doesn't have excessive smoke. What more can you ask?

Thanks to everyone of you guys that offered suggestions and ideas about this repair. I know much more about my engine now which is a good thing.

 

[tommys2patrick]

Thanks for sharing your adventures.