head gasket reuse
head gasket reuse So my buddy and I went ahead and put the heads back on my car with new stock GM head gaskets.
He read which bolt to torque and I torqued. On the last pass, I realized he had missed a bolt... (we are using ARP head bolts btw) So I loosened and retorqued. Never once took the head off while I loosened... So.. My question is, since I put a load on he head gasket.. loosened, then retorqued.. are they ok? or shoud I pull the head, replace and retorque?
Hope not.. because I want this bitch running tomorrow...
He read which bolt to torque and I torqued. On the last pass, I realized he had missed a bolt... (we are using ARP head bolts btw) So I loosened and retorqued. Never once took the head off while I loosened... So.. My question is, since I put a load on he head gasket.. loosened, then retorqued.. are they ok? or shoud I pull the head, replace and retorque?
Hope not.. because I want this bitch running tomorrow...
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 24,241
Likes: 89
From: Turnin' Wrenches Infractions: 005
anyone use the copper spray on the head gaskets? i figure if the OP used something like that he prolly wouldn't be worried about it. i never hear anyone mention it.
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I actually like to torque heads down, let them sit over night at least, then loosen and retorque each bolt one at a time. If the gasket settles a bit then you get the bolts back up to the torque value they are supposed to have.
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So my buddy and I went ahead and put the heads back on my car with new stock GM head gaskets.
He read which bolt to torque and I torqued. On the last pass, I realized he had missed a bolt... (we are using ARP head bolts btw) So I loosened and retorqued. Never once took the head off while I loosened... So.. My question is, since I put a load on he head gasket.. loosened, then retorqued.. are they ok? or shoud I pull the head, replace and retorque?
Hope not.. because I want this bitch running tomorrow...
He read which bolt to torque and I torqued. On the last pass, I realized he had missed a bolt... (we are using ARP head bolts btw) So I loosened and retorqued. Never once took the head off while I loosened... So.. My question is, since I put a load on he head gasket.. loosened, then retorqued.. are they ok? or shoud I pull the head, replace and retorque?
Hope not.. because I want this bitch running tomorrow...
Teching In
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Richmond VA
then loosen and retorque each bolt one at a time.
There is no need, nor does it benefit to "torque, loosen and retorque". It may make you feel better, but it's not whats best for your engine. TQ sequences are designed for a reason. Follow them by the book, and leave them alone.
Also, letting bolts sit overnight and then REtorque later isn't doing any good either. Especially on a GM bolt that requires angle TQ'ing.
On ARP's, I get every bolt snug tight then go 30ft lbs in sequence. Repeast sequence with 55ftlbs, and one last seq. with 85 ft lbs. DONE. No more TQ'ing, it's not needed.
On GM bolts, go by the book and do nothing more or less.
For those curious about the copper sealant you can spray on the head gaskets, it definitely can't hurt. I use it on all of my high compression and/or nitrous motors.
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 24,241
Likes: 89
From: Turnin' Wrenches Infractions: 005
Teching In
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Digging up an old thread...
How many times have people reused their ARP head bolts?
Do you worry about getting them back into the exact location each one come out of?
Can you just spray this copper sealant wherever on a MLS gasket? Since they already have the black silicon coating in sealing areas do you worry about getting the copper spray on those areas or it doesnt matter.
How many times have people reused their ARP head bolts?
Do you worry about getting them back into the exact location each one come out of?
Can you just spray this copper sealant wherever on a MLS gasket? Since they already have the black silicon coating in sealing areas do you worry about getting the copper spray on those areas or it doesnt matter.
The head bolts can be used many times, the bolt dont haft to go back in the exact hole just the right length bolt, I spray both sides of my MLS head gaskets on both side 100% ,spray them till fully coated and in even coats. I dont spray mine till i need to install the heads, Spray and let it tack up not fully dry,then install the heads and torque.
TECH Addict
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 2,481
Likes: 5
From: PA/MD
I have actually used a set of MLS head gaskets a few times over... cleaned them really good with paint thinner, then used copper spray with no problems