One of the solutions, is to renew it with one that isn't broken, perhaps?

GA,

Funny when you hear a blown head gasket called a broken pressure plate, innit?

Which, of course is what it is.

Cheers,

Stu.

This is usually a symptom from some cause.

You need to have more diagnosis done. Question the operator.

Did the engine overheat for some reason?

Was the gasket replaced by someone recently, incorrectly?

And so forth.........................................???????????????

Cheers,

Stu

You need to replace the gasket (plate). While the cylinder head is removed, you should carefully inspect the head and the block to determine why the original gasket failed. It is important to check both the block and the head to make sure the sealing surfaces are flat. If they are warped, they must be re-surfaced. Install new gasket according to factory specifications.

Where exactly in orientation to the cylinders is this weak area of the pressure plate, out of curiosity?

This cutting action by the pressurized gases will probably have caused a corresponding deformity of either or both the cylinder head and mating surface of the engine block.

Disassemble and attempt to determine cause after inspection of all associated components.

After reading bwire's post, I re-read your question again.

Do you have a de-compression plate AS WELL as a head gasket?

Do you run this motor on gaseous fuel? CNG?

Sometimes in the conversion to alternate fuels the compression is reduced to accomodate the fuel. If it is, it will be interesting to find the cause of the breach, as the motor would be running much reduced peak pressures.

Just guessing at the moment.

Respond, so we might know what to advise you.

Stu

I believe the correct term is 'spacer plate', which is a steel plate that sits on the block, without a gasket, I believe, and that permits the liner flanges to sit on the block rather than in counterbores in the block. The spacer plate would have a gasket between it and the head and, could be replaced if it is cracked. As I understand it, this plate was designed as a solution to cracks that occurred in the counterbores in the head, which were costly to repair.

If you have a spacer plate(s) that is/are cracked, the proper solution would be to replace it/them, along with a careful inspection of the liners and their seats on the block. There could be other issues in your case and you really should contact an authorized Caterpillar service representative for complete and correct advice.