Head Gasket Question on 3.1L

[ram3736]

I pulled both the heads off and the head gaskets didn't stick to the heads or the block, could this mean that it wasn't sealing very well? There was coolant in cylinder #1 and coolant in the oil. Could a head gasket be blown and not show any damage?

[GeoStormRS]

Originally Posted by ram3736

I pulled both the heads off and the head gaskets didn't stick to the heads or the block, could this mean that it wasn't sealing very well? There was coolant in cylinder #1 and coolant in the oil. Could a head gasket be blown and not show any damage?

The exact same thing happened to me. My heads were warped. I would recommend having them resurfaced.

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by ram3736

I pulled both the heads off and the head gaskets didn't stick to the heads or the block, could this mean that it wasn't sealing very well? There was coolant in cylinder #1 and coolant in the oil. Could a head gasket be blown and not show any damage?

WELL YOU SHOULD HAVE CHECKED FOR HEAD GASKET LEAKAGE BEFORE YOU TOOK IT APART.
There is several things that can let coolant into oil and cylinders.
The gasket sticking or not sticking does not mean much.
Look the gaskets over real close and see if there is any weak spots on them.

Now that you have the heads off take them to a auto repair machine shop and get them checked for cracks and valves ground an checked for being warped. If warped get them plained to.
And use new headsbolts and new gaskets when you put it back together.
Also flush the engine oil a couple of times to get all of that old coolant out of engine crankcase or you will be replaccing the rod and main bearings to.
Good luck
MT

[stratford_boy]

If the engine has been run for any amount of time with coolant in the oil then the possibility of bearing damage is great. If it's dexcool coolant, the engine is junk...that stuff is horrible.