Quote:
Originally Posted by select
I never heard about an issue with the Headgasket which would warrant a change as early as 60.000miles. Seems a bit excessive to me?  |
The earliest I've changed a failed S54 head gasket was 47000 miles
Gregor, the headgasket failure on these engines does not appear to be as a result of excessive temperatures, therefore warping of the head is not an issue, and skimming is not necessary. I always check the head and block with a straight edge and never had an issue (others may have).
These gaskets fail between the cylinders, firstly between the end clyinders 1&2 and 5&6, if left I've seen a couple with it blown between every cylinder!
When the head gaskets fail it's the block that seems to take the hit, it starts to burn away where the hot gases are passing across the failed gasket into the adjoining cylinder.
I've got a CSL here currently with a failed gasket, I'll post up some pictures when I'm replacing it to illustrate what I mean.
And no, the heads most definately should not be skimmed!