Bad head bolt found during install

[stretch]

When doing the final 1/4 turn, I noticed that some of the new bolts didn't reach 90ftlbs. Can I loosen the bad one(s) and torque a new one in its place without loosening the good ones. Will this warp the head.

[Tim_K]

I suspect it will warp the head and gasket. I never liked the idea of reusing those head bolts.

[stretch]

Thanks for the reply Tim. I thought about it warping the head, but I wanted to post the question and see if anybody has ran into a situation like mine. Just for the record, these are new felpro bolts. I have also tried a Napa brand (new also) and am afraid that if I get anther new non MP (out of stock) ones again that I am going to have the same problem. I haven't ruled out ARP studs.

[89DodgeSpirit]

What are ARP studs? I hear good things about these? Are they just a good brand of bolts or are they something special?

Mike

[supercrackerbox]

I would pull the head off and inspect the bolt holes very closely for damaged threads. Also see if there's anything coming out on the threads of the bolts themselves, and make sure that you have the right bolts. 85 and older blocks used 10mm bolts, 86 and up require 11mm, so make sure you aren't using 10mm bolts in an 11mm block. Another thing, Fel-pro bolts don't come with replacement washers like the MP ones do, so make sure that you have the washers under the bolts. Are you installing the bolts dry or lubed?

[stretch]

ARP - automotive racing products (http://www.arp-bolts.com)

I will inspect the threads, but I suspect that they are fine. I have an 87 block and am using 11mm bolts. I also used new washers. As for installing them, I use oil and the bolts thread into the block easily ie no dirt. I followed the torque sequence shown in the FSMs. The good ones would hit 90ftlbs well before the end of the 1/4 turn. You could definitely feel a difference between the good and the bad ones. The other possibility someone told me was maybe my torque wrench is off. Thanks for all your input.

[turbovanman]

Quote:

Originally Posted by stretch When doing the final 1/4 turn, I noticed that some of the new bolts didn't reach 90ftlbs. Can I loosen the bad one(s) and torque a new one in its place without loosening the good ones. Will this warp the head.

If your just replacing the bad ones and haven't run the car yet, you can do it no problem. Just do one at a time.

[LancerShelby]

Quote:

Originally Posted by turbovanman If your just replacing the bad ones and haven't run the car yet, you can do it no problem. Just do one at a time.

I second that.

[juxsa]

what the hell is up with these ARP headstuds.... at $95 can you reuse them?

[Timmay2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by LancerShelby I second that.

Third it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by juxsa what the hell is up with these ARP headstuds.... at $95 can you reuse them?

Yup they can be reused many times.......and they have better clamping power so you can run some insane amount of boost.

[puppet]

Quote:

Originally Posted by turbovanman If your just replacing the bad ones and haven't run the car yet, you can do it no problem. Just do one at a time.

Done it even after it's been run a 100 miles ... swapped out four in fact. Did 'em in order ... one by one. No problems at all.
So I fourth it.

[stretch]

Thanks for all your help guys.

[slasky]

If the bolts are brand new don't worry about the torque. I used brand new MP bolts and most of them did not reach 90. That is why there is not a final torque spec for head bolts. As long as you followed the right procedure you should be all set.

[wrenchbreaker]

I had a similar problem. I put on a head that had been shaved a few times and turned out that the head bolts were too long. I switched to ARP studs and a thick Cometic gasket and it fixed the problem.