Originally Posted By: 97 GTP
I believe that gasket fits, although you have to file the bore some as it's a little smaller. At least that was the case with my 18HP AVS Intek.
So you fitted one of these?
Originally Posted By: 97 GTP
Also make sure oil level is not too high as these engines can ingest excess oil and blow gaskets that way.
Only problem is the oil level after 5 hous of mowing, drops on the dipstick from full to ADD.
Originally Posted By: 97 GTP
Make sure block and head are true and replace head bolts with grade 8 bolts. As you can see above I used copper spray but I didn't replace bolts, that advice was given to me after I finished.
I didn't check the head/block, it looked very good with just the small blow across to the push rod gallery. It could be slightly warped but I doubt it, I will check it this time. It was a rush job last time and my own equipment so not a big concern. I can't remember but either the gasket I took off and/or the one I replaced it with was actually poorly designed with width at the oil gallery trimmed square.
As the bolts go into an aluminium head I thought they would be strong enough as they only have 25Nm torque applied, I expected they would not stretch that much, due to the size of the bolt. But I will thoroughly inspect when I pull it down again, it will have to keep running with a blown gasket for a while..................