Toronado.org

Is there going to be a big difference in performance or fuel economy with thicker head gaskets?

I found this article or website that explains what Shurkey mentioned:

https://oldsjunction.classicoldsmobile. ... /ofhed.htm

It seems like the thickness for every head gasket on the market for this car is between 0.038-0.044 inches. Is the specs on the head gasket thickness in the service manual (I don’t have it with me right now)? For my case, the pros outweigh the cons since the head gasket was rusting and allowing cool...

Okay cool, so I don’t have to worry about that anytime soon. I’m not sure how many miles my Toro has, since we don’t have any records of it from the previous owners, as well as the odometer not functioning.

Shoot, sorry I honestly forgot what I asked earlier, but the machine shop did call me an hour ago and informed me that after inspecting the heads, the valve seats are still in good shape, but all the valves (intake and exhaust) need to be replaced (too worn). So that’s an extra $160 to the $220 to d...

Nick, please post your question again. I accidentally deleted it. Unless you are drag racing or auto crossing your car spending money on hardened valve seats is not necessary. The minute amount of additional wear on the exhaust valves will never be noticeable - at least not in the normal lifespan o...

I was thinking, can’t I also block off the crossover by welding it shut?

It's tough to properly weld cast iron. I'm going the 3000 degree refractory cement route.

Okay great, I was worried that I would have to do more than I what I wished. I just dropped off the heads and the manifold at the machine shop and they’ll call me on Friday to let me know if the heads are still good. $200 for valve job on both heads (combined) and $20 to wash the manifold.

So the heads don’t look too good, and the block’s passages for cooling are blocked, no wonder the car overheated (on top of the small gasket leak). All I need to do is lift out the driver’s head and can take them to the machine shop. Also pistons looking a bit dark.

Yes, the instructions on the service manual didn’t mention removing the distributor and instructed to remove the oil filler tube. Very tight fit, but it came off after multiple whacks with a mallet. Reinstalling the manifold by myself would be almost impossible considering it’s weight, so I’m going ...