(Han) wrote
Hi, I need to replace the head gasket of the engine in my boat and I
need some help from you experience folks. I have done it on a truck
engine (same chevy 350 engine) and it was painless. I took the heads
out and bring them to the engine shop to resurface the head. They
said the head was cracked and I pay a little extra to exchange for a
good one. I install the exchanged heads and everything went pretty
smooth.

I have no experience with marine engine. I know I need to use marine
stainless head gasket. Other than that, are they the same? If I have
to exchange the head, will an automotive one work the same? Should I
insist a "marine" head if they must exchange them? Is there such
thing as "marine" head?

While I'm at it, is there anything else I should replace?

Thanks in advance,


Use a marine head gasket like the Felpro 17030. (you can contact
Felpro to verify the part number. Avail by order from most auto
suppliers.)
the head is the "Truck" head. Using the larger diameter shaft on the
exhaust valve. personally I havn't seen any aftermarket heads for the
marine/truck engines. So you are probably stuck with either a rebuilt
head or a aftermarket performance head.

The truck head can pull more heat away from the exhaust valve seat
area, which is the source of your problem. but has a unknown amount of
wear already. A aftermarket head may have better valve seat materials
which can address the heat issue as well. Your choice depends on how
you want to use the boat.

Myself I put a pair of aftermarket Cast Iron Heads (World Cast.
Sporter) with hardened steel valve seats and stainless valves.
(Caution the waranty on these is voided by putting them on a marine
engine.) You may want to consider using a slightly smaller runner
volume than my 215cc, I think I went a little too high in this area.
Also FelPro fas a intake manifold gasket with a screen mesh to boost
low end torque. I would/will give it a try the next time I am in that
far.

Good Luck

BBJ