Head gaskets don't go bad right out of the box. The deck surface of the block and head must be clean and dry.

Where the heads new and pre assembled? I am just curious because the other source of oil could be a valve stem seal that possibly got torn.
Or do the threaded rocker arms holes protrude into the intake port? If so they need to be sealed with a thread sealant.

 

Well there's holes shot in my favorite theory. It must have been the WD-40 over spray then. I did brake clean and scrub the block and head surfaces but I suppose that's not worth a damn If you gasket has oil between its layers.

 

Yes the heads were built by TSP/PRC all I did was bolt them down and install push rods/rockers.

 

I don't like the idea of reusing the headgaskets myself.

Not that I have any experience with it, but I just don't ever see myself doing it. Hopefully a new set takes care of the issue.

 

At the time it made sense because Its my first motor build and I was double and triple checking things since life kept interrupting me and I'd lose my place. I figured since the motor had never run and they never saw a heat cycle it wouldn't be a big deal.

Education is expensive. Gaskets came late today so tomorrow is assembly time.

 

I hear ya man. The best lessons learned are learned the hard way sometimes.

Really hope it's only gaskets. With the pistons all being in one piece there's a good chance you're good to go. Have you considered running the heads down to the machine shop just to have the surfaces checked to make sure they're straight?

Edit: also in the future since you're a 6.0 LS9 gaskets would be a good option for you. Guys use them on 5.3's and supposedly they are awesome for high boost, I don't like the idea of using them on under a 4" bore but guys do. I personally would like to keep them on 4" to 4.065 bores. But MLS gaskets for a 4" bore should be perfectly fine.

 

The thought has crossed my mind but I am going to ignore it for now. If it kills another gasket I guess I'll have no choice. I work strange hours so its really difficult for me to go to any normal business during weekdays. The machine shop that was down the road that did the block machining closed last year due to the owner having some health issues. The next closest one is about 45 minutes away.

I'm full of excuses and if it fails again I am to blame. For now I'm a gambling man.

This time I'm going to take it easy on the motor for at least a tank of gas and a week of regular around town driving. Should have probably done that to start with instead of a quick break in period and boost pulls.

 

drive it like you stole it

 

I hear ya man, it happens. Do what you can.

But I do agree with arthur

Being nice to it wouldn't have helped

 

I agree it wouldn't have helped with the head gasket problem. However I want to get some miles on it and make sure the clutch slave isn't gonna die again or any other weird stuff like a damn loose ground.