Head Gasket Promblem!
Head Gasket Promblem! I just installed a set of heads and I used the Felpro Head gaskets and ARP head bolts. I made 4 passes at the track and the car started leaking coolant, it’s on the driver side rear, where the head and the block meet. Should I re-torque the heads or do I need to replace the head gasket. It just hardly leaks for normal driving!
Originally Posted by 02WSsicks
Had the same problem, with the ARP's, and the felpros. Check for the post started by rapid, it may be a problem with the ARP's
Originally Posted by robertbartsch
...makes a good argument to re-use the old TTY bolts; my GM dealer has done this without issues for many years. He says it is a waste to buy new bolts.
I bought new GM bolts anyway!
I bought new GM bolts anyway!
If you believe in your mechanics word so much then why didn't you save $60 and re-use the old bolts? Practice what you preach.
For the others, NEVER EVER RE-USE THE STOCK TTY BOLTS AFTER THEY HAVE BEEN STRETCHED TO THEIR FINAL TORQUE READING!!!! IF YOU DO, YOU DESERVE TO HAVE PROBLEMS!
Head gaskets, bolts Cannibal is absolutely correct about not reusing TTY hardware.
You should have been able to screw the ARP bolts into the block with your fingers. If they were tight when you installed them, that's one of the reasons you are having a problem - bolts are not torqued properly. I always run a thread reforming tool through the head bolt holes on used blocks to eliminate this problem.
Next, regardless of what FelPro says about not needing retorque, retorque the head after you run it. Take the car for a nice ride, let it cool down and then retorque the head bolts one at a time loosening each off and torquing to spec. Do this in the recommended sequence. This is especially important with Cometic MLS gaskets.
When you pull the heads to replace the gaskets, make sure the surfaces are clean and flat before reassembling with new gaskets.
Steve Demirjian
Race Engine Development
You should have been able to screw the ARP bolts into the block with your fingers. If they were tight when you installed them, that's one of the reasons you are having a problem - bolts are not torqued properly. I always run a thread reforming tool through the head bolt holes on used blocks to eliminate this problem.
Next, regardless of what FelPro says about not needing retorque, retorque the head after you run it. Take the car for a nice ride, let it cool down and then retorque the head bolts one at a time loosening each off and torquing to spec. Do this in the recommended sequence. This is especially important with Cometic MLS gaskets.
When you pull the heads to replace the gaskets, make sure the surfaces are clean and flat before reassembling with new gaskets.
Steve Demirjian
Race Engine Development
