93 Dodge Dekota.2.5 Engine Head gasket?

Question

replacement.The cooling porte in the head and the block are ownly aloud a 1/4 inch hole in the gasket.If I increase the size of the opening to match the portes in the head and block will it afect the engine's abilety to reach it's operating temperature or will it increas the life of the gasket and head?{I am asking for mechanics not for English Magers.}

Answer 1

leave it alone, but it would make no difference the cooling capacity is controlled by thermostat! it has a hole in the center and smaller because of imperfections in manufacturing the heads and gaskets so just put it on like it came out of package!

Answer 2

enlarging the hole will benefit the overall prformance in this guys opinion,Freeer flow of coolant is of benefit to head gasket life as well as engine life.
1)do not widen the hole too much and cause a leak of some kind,leave a small margin of excess gasket 1/8 in.
2)the engines thermostat will do all the holding back nessessary for engine optimun temp,.By the way you should install a new thermostat when you re install the head.This inexpensive part may have been part of the origonal problem.........

Answer 3

it should not affect the cooling however it might shorten the life of the gasket. head gaskets have a metal center core to make hole bigger may lower the integady of gasket. if you try it use a drill bit with a block of wood underneth to keep from distorting the material and take your time.

Answer 4

The hole are smaller to direct the flow over the head at the rate desired. Opening the holes would speed the flow in that area but may deprive other areas of the head adequate coolant flow.

Answer 5

Don't screw around with head gasket openings. They are like they are for a reason.