Head bolt problem

[DBF]

Nuts.



The head gasket started leaking. I don't have a sheltered area to do that big a job in, so I took it to a diesel mechanic who was recommended.



He found the gasket eroded and the head 0. 010 warped and sent it out to be milled and for valve 3-axis grind (I agreed to this), sent the radiator out for rodding (I agreed to this), ordered parts from Cummins like I told him to do, using the part number for the 0. 015 thicker seal that I'd found in this forum.



He did the job right out of the All-data version of the service manual, valve stem seals and all. The only thing I don't like is that I'd left notes from this forum on head bolts and tightening; however, comma, he says he talked to Cummins and they assured him he didn't need to use new head bolts, the old ones would do (once).



He also used the procedure from All-Data (same in service manual) that torques the headbolts 66#, then 89#, then 90 degrees more. I've seen people in this forum get rather hopped up that it should be 60#, 90#, 120# and skip that unpredictable 90 degrees.



So the question is: Am I all right for the long run with this headbolt setup? Have a look at the sig below for truck details. I can get to 28# boost if I try real hard, and probably won't go much higher than that. I tow a 5er, not sleds and I don't drag race (other than to put down a ricer now and then).



Thanks for your thoughts, DBF

 

[MWilcox]

head bolts

I wouldn't be overly concerned as long as a cummins head gasket was used. I was told by cummins that their stock gasket was good for boosts up to 65psi. I am currently boosting 52psi and am running their gasket with arp head studs. 28 psi shouldn't even be close to what a stock head bolt and gasket can hold. As far as the torque spec's, I don't like the 1/4 turn deal, but it will work and you aren't creating that much boost to get to worried about it. I hope this info helps out.

 

[Greenleaf]

A couple of things... .....



If your not putting a lot of stress (heat/boost) onto the head and everything was done up proper like, you should be good to go. No worries mate.



On the other hand. Because your not sleeping well nights. You "could" go through and re-torque them bolts right there. Or... ... ... . buy all new and replace them one-at-a-time.



When I say retorque. I mean one at a time as well. Probably would pull each bolt and clean/oil the threads and install it and torque to the 120-125 lbs-ft



Hey, you got the $$$$, go for studs!!





GL

 

[JLEONARD]

I'd say that since the Cummins proceedure was followed you are good to go.



Jay

 

[DBF]

Thanks, folks. Good answers. If I run out of other things to do on the beast, I'll put in 26 new bolts (one at a time, torqued to 120#).



DBF