Anyone mess up a block by head bolts?
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,597
Likes: 4
From: Lawrenceville, GA
Anyone mess up a block by head bolts? I just installed my new heads using ARP head bolts. I spend hours cleaning up the block, pistons and getting the fluid out of the holes. When I was installing one bolt I heard a cracking noise 
. How do I know if I broke thru the block with the bolt? What will happen? I am putting it all together just hoping it was just dirt on the thread.
Thanks,
Bill
. How do I know if I broke thru the block with the bolt? What will happen? I am putting it all together just hoping it was just dirt on the thread.Thanks,
Bill
Bill,
Which bolt was it? have you tried to remove it yet?
Also,
Did you chase the threads to clean them and ensure that you had all the coolant out of the bolt holes? The holes are blind tapped and therefore must not have any coolant in them or you can crack the block.
R/
Frat
Which bolt was it? have you tried to remove it yet?
Also,
Did you chase the threads to clean them and ensure that you had all the coolant out of the bolt holes? The holes are blind tapped and therefore must not have any coolant in them or you can crack the block.
R/
Frat
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,043
Likes: 0
From: Texas and Qatar
Bill, was the bolt already starting to get tight and bottomed out when you heard the noise? The ARP bolts/washers tend to make some "creaking" noises from friction turning when you start getting some bigger torque on them. If you torque in steps, it'll be fine torquing to 35lbs ft, but after about 60lb ft, it will be "jagged" feeling and make those noises, even with ARP lube. Not all will do that maybe one or two per head. The ARP studs don't do that, just the bolts.
Edit: If it did hydrolock and crack, you can normally see a hairline crack in the side of the block with a flashlight from below. Check right under that bolt and down the side of the block towards the pan area. Might be hard to see if its under a motor mount. The ARP's do not have the "thread sealant" like stock bolts do, so its not a 100% seal even if water was in the hole, while you can hydrolock an ARP bolt also, it seems to be less likely as the pressure can escape slightly past the threads as your tightening.
Edit: If it did hydrolock and crack, you can normally see a hairline crack in the side of the block with a flashlight from below. Check right under that bolt and down the side of the block towards the pan area. Might be hard to see if its under a motor mount. The ARP's do not have the "thread sealant" like stock bolts do, so its not a 100% seal even if water was in the hole, while you can hydrolock an ARP bolt also, it seems to be less likely as the pressure can escape slightly past the threads as your tightening.
I just installed my new heads using ARP head bolts. I spend hours cleaning up the block, pistons and getting the fluid out of the holes. When I was installing one bolt I heard a cracking noise . How do I know if I broke thru the block with the bolt? What will happen? I am putting it all together just hoping it was just dirt on the thread.
Thanks,
Bill
. How do I know if I broke thru the block with the bolt? What will happen? I am putting it all together just hoping it was just dirt on the thread.Thanks,
Bill
ya, did you use any moly lube?
and if you a important fastener starts "jumping" you dont have enogh lube and you will have a in accutte reading with a tq wrench. The head/washer "jumping" fiction will click off the wrench before its tq right.
and if you a important fastener starts "jumping" you dont have enogh lube and you will have a in accutte reading with a tq wrench. The head/washer "jumping" fiction will click off the wrench before its tq right.
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Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,597
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From: Lawrenceville, GA
Thanks everyone.
Bill
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Verdad Gallardo Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,597
Likes: 4
From: Lawrenceville, GA
I changed the oil today and took it out for a drive and tune. It runs great. Did not get on it too hard. I wanted to take it easy until I get the tune closer. I do not see any leaks or water in the oil. Am I safe? I sure hope so.
Thanks everyone for your help.
Bill
Thanks everyone for your help.
Bill
