Generation III Internal Engine 1997-2006 LS1 | LS6
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Anyone having problems with ARP head bolts!

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 09-10-2003, 11:01 PM
  #1  
9 Second Club
Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
 
ANIL8U's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: STL, MO
Posts: 521
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default Anyone having problems with ARP head bolts!

I have a an issue with them not staying tight ! Anyone else?
Old 09-11-2003, 12:56 AM
  #2  
jmX
TECH Junkie
 
jmX's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 3,604
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: Anyone having problems with ARP head bolts!

Hrm, I tightened mine about 9 months ago when I first installed them, and everything is still good. I honestly havent rechecked them since then. Do you have symptoms that make your check the bolts, or do you just happen to re-check them and notice they are loose?
Old 09-11-2003, 09:42 AM
  #3  
9 Second Club
Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
 
ANIL8U's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: STL, MO
Posts: 521
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default Re: Anyone having problems with ARP head bolts!

I started leaking coolant were the head and block meet! I took off the heads and the last to bolts on the driver's side were not as tight. I bought new head gaskets and I will re-install them this week.
Old 09-11-2003, 09:59 AM
  #4  
6600 rpm clutch dump of death Administrator
 
J-Rod's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Texas
Posts: 4,983
Likes: 0
Received 7 Likes on 7 Posts

Default Re: Anyone having problems with ARP head bolts!

Which gaskets? Did you follow the procedures for the ARP bolts? Need a few more details..
Old 09-11-2003, 10:17 AM
  #5  
TECH Veteran
 
robertbartsch's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Hartsdale, NY
Posts: 4,055
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default Re: Anyone having problems with ARP head bolts!

i thought these were supposed to be re-torqued a few times after a few subsequent heat cycles...PITA!

...for those who enjoy wrenching so much you want to do the head bolts multiple times...!
Old 09-11-2003, 10:21 AM
  #6  
9 Second Club
Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
 
ANIL8U's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: STL, MO
Posts: 521
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default Re: Anyone having problems with ARP head bolts!

Yup, I use the info on JimX how to site. I ordered the Fel Pro head gaskets from Speed Inc.
Old 09-11-2003, 10:29 AM
  #7  
LS1Tech Sponsor
iTrader: (12)
 
Slowhawk's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Bridgewater,Ma
Posts: 14,865
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes on 6 Posts

Default Re: Anyone having problems with ARP head bolts!

I never had problems and have replaced my heads a few times I'm guessing you are ussing the moly lube on the ARP's?
Here is how I do it.First torque them to 40ft/lbs,then 60,then 70lbs.Let car sit for over an hour and loosen them up and do it again,let it sit for 1/2 hour then go over them.Have never had a problem.
Old 09-11-2003, 12:07 PM
  #8  
9 Second Club
Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
 
ANIL8U's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: STL, MO
Posts: 521
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default Re: Anyone having problems with ARP head bolts!

I will try it tonight!


Thanks
Old 09-11-2003, 12:29 PM
  #9  
Launching!
 
1999_SS_M6's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Posts: 272
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: Anyone having problems with ARP head bolts!

One old school trick is to do what SlowHawk suggested... After you torque, the gasket compresses slightly, and if you retorque several hours later, or even the next day, you'll see what I mean.

Torque your bolts according to JMX's specs, then, mark the head bolt with a line so you can see where the bolt head position WAS. Loosen, then retorque the bolts... you will notice that after the gasket has been compresses for several hours, the bolt head will be turned FURTHER than it's original position when you torque the second time, at an identical torque spec.
Old 09-11-2003, 05:21 PM
  #10  
9 Second Club
 
Nickn20's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 1,445
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default Re: Anyone having problems with ARP head bolts!

so do you loosen all the head nuts at one, or do you individually loosen them and retorque then one by one in sequence? I did that and noticed they TQed nicer the second time, also loosening all the nuts with coolant in the block isnt such a good idea..... also the heat cycle is something I do too.




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:59 PM.