Topic: 22R Common Problems?

[TrikeKid]

I'm looking at getting an 85 or earlier truck, and you know the majority of these are fairly high milage. I've seen a few with blown head gaskets, is this a common thing for them to do? Do they just push water to the outside when they go or is it an issue of them getting water into the cylenders? Are there any other issues like this with the 22R(E)?

[jimbo74]

head gaskets do go over time usually if there is an inadequate cooling issue or due to a bad design (the design on the 22r and re is a good design, but there are several oterh engines that have bad designs that eat headgaskets) (forced induction can also kill a hg)

the 85+ 22r and re had a weak link which was the timing chain plastic guides, but those can easily be remedied

[TrikeKid [OP]]

I'm glad you mentioned that, there's a truck I may call on in the truck trader that's an 82 with an R out of an 88.

[kyle_22r]

the main problem with the 22R is the timing chain guides on the '83-up engines.  they were made of plastic and break over time, which allows the timing chain to saw into a water jacket and destroy the engine.  easy fix though, replace them with steel guides.

the only head gasket issue these have is the inherent problem of an iron block and aluminum head engine, since aluminum expands a lot more.  in other words, they don't like to be overheated.  other than that, no real problems.

[TrikeKid [OP]]

So I should add some cooling system upgrades to my project plans then? I'm not too fond of the idea of a head gasket puking out on the trail, since I'm not trailering. (Only room on the trailer for my dad's Willy's MB.

[79coyotefrg]

if running in the heat the best mod you can make is a electric fan

[TrikeKid [OP]]

When the gaskets go, do they just push water to the outside, or is there a possibility of internal damage?

[79coyotefrg]

i have blown probably 6 headgaskets  ,  5 have just pushed water into the cylinder,   in all my years with a 20/22 R  ive only had one make a milkshake,  but it still got me home

[79coyotefrg]

they are near bullet proof as far as 4bangers go

[kyle_22r]

So I should add some cooling system upgrades to my project plans then? I'm not too fond of the idea of a head gasket puking out on the trail, since I'm not trailering. (Only room on the trailer for my dad's Willy's MB.

generally if your cooling system is even remotely working(e.g., your thermostat works, and there's liquid in the radiator) you'll be fine.  it's the guys that run them dry that have problems.

the only head gasket i've blown was from a warped head -- a fire ring cracked and pressurized my cooling sytem.