89 XR-4 150 Blown head gasket

[venture]

Engine was over heating changed impeller and check thermostats and check poppet valve and found grass and wood fibers clean that still had no pee at idle speed check compression and on number 1 cylinder had only 50 lbs on the other cylinders had 120 to 130 lbs took head off found gasket blown do I need to change the other side to and what is the torque on bolts and how to tighten the bolts being 2 on top then 4 and 4 and 2 on the bottom. and were can I find the small fuel return fitting that goes into the head I found it had a crack

 

[gss036]

Re: 89 XR-4 150 Blown head gasket

I think you should change both gaskets. You also need to get hold of a manual that shows torque for your head's and also the (pattern) sequence for tightening.
As for parts, go to Merc parts on line. You will need your sr# and order there or go to a local dealer.
I think my OEM manual will cover that engine if you can't find one locally. Post the SR#

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: 89 XR-4 150 Blown head gasket

You don't HAVE to change both gaskets, but I personally would want to get in there and see what is going on.

You should be able to get the fittings you need from a local Merc dealer.​

 

[venture]

Re: 89 XR-4 150 Blown head gasket

my ser# oc156850 and did I mess up buy ordering the gaskets from the aftermarket sierra. never though about merc parts on line.

 

[gss036]

Re: 89 XR-4 150 Blown head gasket

That sr# is covered in my manual.
I think you are ok w/Sierra parts, a lot of people use them. The heads bolts should be torued to 40 ft lbs.
Book says to put a light coat of oil on threads. The book also says to retorque after and 1/2-1 hr run time by loosening one bolt at a time, 1/4 turn and retorque. I think they now say that it is not needed, but I would follow the book to be sure, unless some experienced wrench here knows differently.
Be nice to have a picture of the torque pattern to follow though. Maybe you can follow this: The top 2 are- (left side) 10/(right side) 9. The middle 4 are (ls)6/(rs)5,next ones down (ls)2/(rs)1. The next 4- (ls)3/(rs)4, next 2 down (ls)7/(rs)8. The last 2 on the bottom are-(ls)11/(rs)12. I guess you could draw you on pattern w/this. I like to take 2 steps, 1st to 20# and then repeat to 40#, although I don't if that is necessary.
Just go by the numbers 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9 etc criss crossing back and forth.

 

[venture]

Re: 89 XR-4 150 Blown head gasket

I want to thank gss036 for the time and information on my engine, people always need a helping hand sometimes and I will order myself a manuel for my engine and what one do you suggest. Thanks Again.........