Head Gasket question

[BDog13]

I've been doing a little research regarding the head gasket problem that has apparently plaqued many 94 Vipers. According to the information in the Viper Registry section, my Vin # ( 103039 ) is near the end of the last Vin # for that year, which was 103087. The build date on my car is 8/26/04. In the "Running Changes" section of the Features by Year, it says that late in the 1994 production year, the head gasket material was changed. Does anybody have any idea about when this change occurred? I'm hoping that mine has the new gasket material, and thereby not as likely to develop this problem but I can't decide if I'm just trying to put my mind at ease, or if this is a genuine possiblity.

Since I'm up here in Wisconsin and have put all of 15 miles on my car since I got it yesterday, and probably won't be doing anything other than staring at it the garage for the next 2 months, I'll have alot of time to worry about things.

Anybody have any thoughts or info on this?

Thanks...

 

[Eddie N]

I've been told that all gen I viper motors (92-96(RT only)) are plagued with the head gasket issue, even after the material change. I believe i asked the same exact question you did.

edit: i just did a search and i cant find that old thread... maybe i'm wrong?

Eddie

 

[malcoll]

Eddie N is right... all Gen I engines are susceptible. My 1996 RT received the Arrow rebuild this past summer due to head gasket issues.

 

[BADVENOM]

But Bdog13 you dont have to get a arrow rebuild, certain dealers like tators dodge are authorized and skilled enogh to just do the gaskets and not pull the engine to send out as Malcolls was...

Adam

 

[94 RT/10 Black MAMBA]

It is not an issue regarding the materials that the gaskets are made of....Leaking head gaskets are a symptom of the REAL problem.

The REAL problem is a "design issue" of the steel sleeves in the aluminum block.

I had an Arrow rebuild and here is the report of what they did....

ARROW RACING
ENGINES INC.
FAILURE REPORT

RV102991

Upon receipt of the engine, we found some things wrong. Both cylinder head gaskets were leaking coolant and the thermostat crossover was leaking too. The main housing bore was out of spec by .0001 to .0003 and had to be align honed to repair. Flywheel needed to be replaced.
The block was sent back to the original manufacture for counter bores and redecking.
The engine was then reassembled using all new parts including the crankshaft, camshaft with lifters, piston/rod assemblies, cylinder liners, timing chain set, front cover with oil pump, thermostat, water pump, rod and main bearings, spark plugs and wires. With new gaskets and seals, the rebuild is complete.
The engine was then sent to our dyno shop for a two-hour break in period with three W.O.T. power runs to confirm the engine met the rated horsepower and torque numbers. A cylinder leak down and compression test was performed, and a special oberg oil filter was inspected and after a final check for any external oil leaks the engine was prepared for return shipment.

Note the statement in the second paragraph above regarding "counterbores". This is the main "design change" that corrects the problem.

 

[95Viper]

BDog13, Get under your car. Bring flashlight. Shine up onto block where heads meet block. Look for the type of material your gaskets are made of. A cork type material is the original gasket, a metal or mesh looking material is the new ones.

There are so many opinions regarding this topic, it's confusing. I also heard about the sleeves shifting and a change Dodge made sometime in 95, I believe, to address that. That might be related to Paul's post above.

 

[Ivory]

Just had my head gaskets on my '93 replaced at Roanoke Dodge under warranty. No more leaks.

By the way, I'm driving my car today in Madison, WI! Yipee!