How hot to warp head?

[trekcarbonboy]

I recently realized that the minor leak that I thought was coming from the intake manifold o-ring is actually coming from between the head and block. Which begs me to ask how hot does the engine need to get to warp the head? Fortunately no water in the oil or vice-versa.

I installed a new radiator a few months ago with an electric fan. In testing to see when the fan would actually kick on it was at about 7/8ths on the temp gauge. I don't have a way to test the actual temp but the sensor was rated to activate at 185 degrees. Is this too high or was it perhaps a faulty sensor?

I'm pondering the fact that this may have caused the leak and am hoping the head is not warped. Hopefully its just a coincidence that its leaking now and there's no real problem. Either way the head is coming off to hopefully just replace the gasket.

I had the head off 10 years ago and hopefully it's just as easy this time. Will also be installing a manual fan switch.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

After proof-reading this post before posting it's apparent that I am quite "hopeful". [:I]

Craig '75 2.0 FHC

[saabfast]

185 deg is 85 deg C so not too high, around thermostat open temp. If it is a very small leak a torque down of the head might do it but probably better to change the HG before it goes any further and the wrong things mix.

Alan
Saab 9000 Stg 1 (now passed to son for his family car)
Saab 9000 2.3 FPT Auto (now gone that others might live)
Saab 9000 2.3 LPT Auto
'81 TR7 DHC

[FI Spyder]

Pay the extra money for a quality head gasket like a payen rather than a cheap generic one. It'll cost $20 more but worth it. BPNW is out of stock but maybe not for long. Example:

http://www.bpnorthwest.com/triumph/tr7-tr8/engine-gaskets-seals.html

You can get infrared thermometers pretty cheap these days at the discounters and on sale. Cheaper than a machined head.[:p]

You won't know for sure until you get the head off and do a close inspection and put a straight edge on it. The gasket could have just given way.



- - -TR7 Spider - - - 1978 Spitfire- - - - 1976 Spitfire - - 1988 Tercel 4X4 - Kali on Integra - 1991 Integra - Yellow TCT

[john 215]

Hi,

You should be ok, but if do pull the head and need to skim it there are thicker head gaskets available.

I have always run a manual override switch on my fan's on the 7's I have owned. On my DHC the fan is controlled by switching the earth on the relay, I use a sensor in the top hose and a A/C switch in the centre console ( car not actually fitted with A/C ) so avoiding a non standard switch !

Cheers John


LIVE LIFE A QUARTER OF A MILE AT A TIME!

1976 Speke FHC Beauty Now with an overdrive conversion

1979 3.5 FHC(STATUS PENDING!!)

1982 2.0 DHC NOW A 4.6, BUILT NOT BROUGHT !!!!

[windy one]

Quite possibly may just be faulty head gasket. I am having a similar prob. Original head gasket started weeping. Im just going to pull the head and replace the gasket (with the thicker one as per Woody). I have no water in oil or vise-versa. Good Luck!

Johnny