Head gasket question
 

Ok guys I might be tripping out but I still have to ask. It seriously looks like I have no head gasket on the xj. On every engine I have built, you can see part of the head gasket sticking out or at least a gap between the head and block. On my xj, I cant even see any sort of gap. I know head gaskets are typically between .050-.060" thick and that is enough to see. The only reason this is being brought up is because it looks like the engine is leaking between the head and block. I just degreased the entire engine and there were no wet spots. I let it run so I could fill it with coolant and by the time I shut it off, the head seems to be seeping. Everything else is dry. I know it sounds crazy that someone could leave a head gasket out but I would really like to verify first. Can any of you see any part of the gasket sticking out or at least see a gap between the head and block?

You are tripping.....

I want what your on..LOL....I don't think engine would start without one .you would have major leaking of water and oil....

Are you seeing oil seep on the passenger side where the block meets the head? If so that's fairly common. Both my xjs had that. The head gasket on the outside edge where the oil gallies are isn't the best. Never enough to worry about, never dripped. Just made it impossible to have a perfectly clean engine. But if you're not mixing fluids and it's just a slow seep, don't worry about it.

I know I am tripping. I mean the stupidity of someone to install a head without a gasket is just unheard of. I get that. But it is leaking from what I can see and it looks like there is silicone popping out in areas. I will drive it around today to see how bad it really leaks.

Can anyone verify if they can physically see a gasket on theirs? Thats all I am really asking for.

I will look, I'm eating the crap out of some KFC right now though.

They may have put a thin gasket on to increase compression?

You can't see it.......

Yea, you can't. Just looked.

Ok thanks guys. Does that mean im not tripping? Guess im just used to the LS world. You can always see the head gasket. Same with the Ecotec in the Bug. They do have mls gaskets though. Not paper style.

rest easy man! Have a good weekend.

Thanks again. You too! You get those flares yet?

nope they are staring at me in the garage. Even now in my bedroom, I can feel their eyes. Hopefully start on the project this week.

:cheers:

Hurry up and get them on! Going to be a nice little addition to your rig.

true dat, my boss is buying me one of those DeWalt 18v cordless angle grinders for work. I have been using my co-worker's cordless grinder and have been loving it! I want to try it out on my rig when I put the flares in.