ok yall im almost positive that its time for some new head gaskets. the car runs at normal temp, but only if baby it. if i get on it even the slightest bit it will begin to run around 240ish and im loosing coolant and i just replaced the water pump and lower radiator hose and ive noticed white smoke from the exhaust, but i only notice the smoke once in a while. my question is if i do replace the gaskets do i absolutely have to machine the heads and intake or should i be ok as long as i get everything torqued down in the rihgt sequence at the correct torque? thanks in advance

 

should check for warping(and cracks)when you have the heads off-chevy heads are kinda prone to warping-even the heavier cast mid-'70s and older ones.Most late '70s up original chevy heads are especially prone to warp.If heads need skimmed,they will have to be stripped of valves,etc.-at that point might as well do a valve job and replace stem seals,check guide fit etc.

 

ok thanks man. its a 1990 305 and its got right under 200,000 miles on it so i guess i should have expected some kind of problem. Could anyone assist me with part numbers and such for everything i will need to do valves, springs, retainers, etc. the local advance auto crew is just about useless unless i happen to catch the right guy in there so if i go in there with part numbers to match it would probably make my life and theirs so much easier.

 

A machine shop will do this for about $300.

Thickness of new gasket is important; they come in different thicknesses and materials.