Head Gasket Leak, Compression

[Augustamotorsports]

Need Help.  Had the chirping sound from head gaskey leak. Retorqued head bolts and sound went away. Compression check shows #1-150, #2-90, #3-90, #4- 150  Valve clearances are all 6I and 8E's Would the Head Gasket leak be causing the #2 and #3 to be lower and what are the ramifications if I run this for a weekend before replacing head gasket? Any suggestions would help.

[VMS Motorsports]

Yes, the headgasket is probably leaking at #2 and #3, a common area.
I do not believe it will cause any issues mechanically to run it

[Augustamotorsports]

Jim,

Its Nick at Firecharger, thanks for the reply. I took the compression reading cold.  Novice engine guy here.  Time is short as I wish to road race this car in two weeks but don't wish to harm the engine. Not concerned about winning, just track time. I did a newby leak down test and thought I heard air coming up in the area of the timing chain and I am getting lots of leakage around all areas of the valve cover. Any ideas for a old Legends Racer with little motor skills.

Nick

Firecharger Racing Extinguishers

[VMS Motorsports]

Re-torque and check it hot.
I don't forsee anything happening, but you guys put alot more stress on the engine than we do on dirt.
Hopefully Randy will chime in here...

[justfreaky]

Personally, I would go ahead and replace the head gasket. You have 2 weeks untill race day. Go out there with the car at 100%.

Steve

[thunder938]

Maybe a sealed motor, it would take USLC longer than 2 weeks to get it fixed and back. 

[racerrad8]

Loosen each stud individually and re-torque to 25ft-lbs.

The chirping goes away after the engine warms up. It is the material directly below the exhaust port that causes the leak, there is no quick fix other than head gasket & surface.

But, it will do it again...

I ran my roadster to a perfect season in 2009 with a head gasket that leaked starting the first weekend. By the time the world finals came around, the leak was evident at idle when warming up but would go away when the engine got fully warmed up.

Run it, put your laps in it will be fine.

Randy - RPM

[VMS Motorsports]

Thanks for confirming Randy.
Didnt think there would be an issue, but you guys are harder on engines than we are

[Augustamotorsports]

Thanks Guys, - Chirp is gone, torqued head bolts again and tested compression while warm #1 -150 #2-95 #3-150 #4-150 I plan on changing head gasket over the winter. Just wanted some track time in a few weeks without doing much harm to engine at a Road Race event.