head problem Options

[90GSX]

I had the head planed down and new valve guides on my 1.8. I put the new headgasket on and torqued the bolts down to 55ft lbs and got it all together. It wont run, but i noticed the timing is off by a couple of teeth, but when i went to try to start it before i noticed my timing belt was off a bit, it would crank over but not ever start, and when i was looking at the distributor i seen coolent dripping from what appeared to be the head under the intake manifold, so im wondering could i have blown the new headgasket without the vehicle ever even running? I was never told the head was cracked so i dont think that would be a possibility. Im wondering if anyone has any idea of what may have happened, cause i hate to have to pull the head back off and get a new gasket for it.

[awd4kicks]

With the proper torque specs and tightening pattern used you could not blow coolant by the head gasket with the power of the starter. I would try to trace your leak to exactly where it's coming from. It may be something more simple. Oh and your machine shop usually only visually inspects your head for cracks unless you ask and pay or a magnaflux check.

[90GSX]

AHHHHH i wished i obeyed the if it aint broke dont fix it rule. The only problem it had was a bit of oil seepage that would be normal for a 125,000 mile car. I retraced all the coolent lines and everything and tightened and checked to make sure no leaks were present. I put the timing belt back on and buttoned everything up to get ready to start it and again a steady drip of antifreeze was coming from the #1 intake port, almost appearing to be coming from the intake port itself. But its more than likely the headgasket though im sure. I would think for a drip like that, it would have to have a decent size crack and none was noticed when i put it back on. My guess is i got ahold of a bad headgasket, i somehow tore it, or my head didnt get planed down right and its warped. Anyone have any other ideas on what i can check before i tear it down yet again. Oh i rechecked my headbolt torque and its all good, i even torqued it down more in that spot and it didnt help.