N42 Mis-match? (PICS)

[sennavsprost]

Hello to all,

I have been running a N42 L28 w/ N42 head and potentially an L24 Head Gasket, but the Head gasket isnt really the issue. This head/block combo has been leaking coolant on the outside of the block. Blown head gasket one would assume. So I replaced it, a year or more ago... same problem. I had the head checked for flatness however not the block. But now, I notice the exact area where it is leaking from. It appears as though on my N42 head there are pathways for coolant to flow into the block, and on the block the reciprocating end of that pathway does not exist! I never noticed this before, but as you'll see from these ugly photos, it's quite clear where the trouble lies. Anyone know what setup I should be running to avoid this problem? Enjoy the photos. And one other thing, the car still ran great at track events and in the canyons regardless of my little leakege situation, gotta love the L series.

[Dtsnlvrs]

Yep, thats the way N42's mate up. What head gasket are you using? IE, nissan or felpro or HKS. I had a similar problem till I switched to Nissan head gasket, and do a re-tq of the head after a few days. I now use a HKS gasket with no leakage problems at all

[sennavsprost]

Well, since that's how it goes... guess I have a block problem. But I will be using a Nissan Head Gasket.

[Ed]

You said the head was checked but not the block. Clean both surfaces, place the head on the block without a gasket. Use some feeler guages and check the mating surfaces. Also check the water jackets on your head make sure that the coolant has clear passages to flow freely.