This doesn't look good...Do I need to be concerned?

[kallio67]

First off, I'm not an experienced mechanic...more of a take it apart and figure out how to put it back together type of guy, so I apologize if I do not use or know the correct terms. I trust my mechanic...but I know they are out to make money, so I don't trust my mechanic. Hopefully someone here can give me some information before I take my car to someone who wants my money.

With that out of the way, the other week I swapped out my old valley pan for a new one that blocks off the heat crossover...While doing so, I notice what looks like some separation of parts within the block. Is this normal or something I need to have someone look at more closely? The car is a 67 Coronet with a 69 383. The engine is stock with the exception of an Edelbrock performer intake and Edelbrock 650 Thunder AVS carb. In the process of swapping out headers for repro exhaust manifolds from Year One.

Thanks guys!

It's only this one section under the pan.

 

[mattsmopars]

That looks like the head gasket sagging down. There is nothing under it in that area so it will drop some. I don't think it is anything to worry over. What matters is sandwiched between the block and head.
Matt

 

[Seventy]

I would be worried about all the white stuff in your intake runners, just kidding, that is the headgasket, perfectly normal... Most mechanics would have told you that before pulling it apart, although some would say, sure we will look at it for you and write you a 5 hour bill with some parts on there that don't exist. You just need to have a good mechanic that is honest...

 

[Seax440Dodge]

x3, no issue whatsoever, happy motoring

 

[dieseldazzle]

man thats a great deal on the granola

 

[super-bee_ski]

As I have learned...
Great tech support form and on this forum!

X4

 

[lewtot184]

that section of the head gasket is just an oil splash shield under the cross over. situation normal.

 

[kallio67]

Thank you for everyone's feedback...it's one less thing I need to worry about!

 

[khryslerkid]

Here is what the whole head gasket looks like.
The tab in the middle "top" is what you are seeing. Like said previously, it just hangs there in mid air. Doesn't get sandwiched between head and block...

 

[wedge69]

Yep that just keep your oil from getting burned and heated from the cross over port. your good to go !

 

[bigmanjbmopar]

Why does that push rod look bent? were you hearing knocking?

 

[Bigal75]

It all looks good - take a shop vac and vaccum everything before you assemble.

 

[bigmanjbmopar]

I'm just kidding by the way!