Replace Head Bolts?

[Moab4x4]

When I called to price a gasket set at my local NAPA, I was told that I needed to purchase a new set of head bolts as they stretch when you torque them the first time and in order to get an even torque on subsequent head changes you need new bolts.

Is this really needed?

I searched the archives and saw the idea of just going to a consistent torque (ie 120) even though that was not exactly 90 degrees on each headbolt.



Also, what quality of gasket am I going to get from NAPA? Should I go to Cummins?

Thanks

 

[Graphic man]

the rule of thumb is never use head bolts twice but tons of people do



i think if i were in your shoes i would go with head studs



keep a close eye on the gasket thickness and compressed thickness, IMO i would only trust cummins

 

[bgilbert]

Cummins parts/gaskets only on the Cummins engine. In the Cummins HG kit is a gauge that measures your old head bolts, if too long/stretched it will tell you whether or not to replace them. Head studs would be nice if you ever plan on bombing the engine. I don't know what new head bolts cost, but head studs run $400.

 

[bmoeller]

I would replace them.



Been there, done that. Helped my uncle replace a headgasket on a tractor one time. He wanted to reuse the bolts, even though I didn't really want to. Well, to make the story short, the gasket didn't even last 30hrs, before it blew again. New gasket and bolts did the trick.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

If the bolts come up to 115-120 range easily, they are OK. I re-used head bolts several times, up to 800 hp.

 

[MMiller]

I reused the head bolts, and then had another gasket failure. I however am running more boost then stock, and I will not say the bolts were the problem, where the gasket blew, there was 2 head bolts that came out easy, they were not as tight.



I bought new bolts, except for the ones that go through the rocker arms, and only had about $60 in cummins bolts. If I had to do it over again, I would get all new bolts. It was sunday when i put the truck back together.



I would also use a cummins head gasket kit.



Did you have the head milled?



An important question is, Are you stock, and are you going to bomb it?



Michael

 

[Greenleaf]

I have resused head bolts in severasl applications and have not had a failure due to the bolts and/or studs being reused. If a failure does occure, it's probably another problem ie poor gasket, poor sealing surfaces, improper torque method, failure to clean out the holes or threads, etc. etc. etc.



I have only replaced one set of bolts and it was simply a percautionary measure. read that "not my money"



GL

 

[JLEONARD]

My summation of the above replies...

While it is possible that the old bolts will work, the way to be 100% sure is to use new bolts.



If it were me and I could afford the new bolts I'd be using new ones... . considering the labor and agrivation factor it would be well worth it to me.



Jay

 

[Moab4x4]

Thanks

Thanks for all the input! I haven't done anything to the head yet, I just found out that the oil cooler was not my problem, so the head is next. As the truck odometer broke at 187k before I got the truck, it smoked a little(quite a bit when cold), had noticable blow-by, and every gasket/seal leaks, I am now seriously thinking overhaul. I need to decide whether to pull the engine before pulling the head off or wait and pull the head to see what I find. How big of an engine stand am I going to need?



Am I going to bomb it??? After reading all your fun posts over the past few months, I don't think I will be able to control myself. :-laf $$ will be the controlling factor. How much BOMB until studs are recommended? I did get a 16 cm port matched housing from Piers but haven't installed it yet. Guages first, new TC, then we'll see... I don't think I have grown up yet.



I usually just putt around town, 'wheel a little in the hills, but sometimes tow a car-hauler (up to ~ 7k) and never can have too much power (unless I break something. )



Part of the quandry is how long do I want to be without the truck? I probably won't have time to do the overhaul until late spring.

 

[Greenleaf]

If you have (only) 300k miles on the truck, the engine is just now broken in. A head gasket is simply good preventative maint. Check it out for high spots and use a Cummins gasket.



GL