Well, I went looking for answers after a head gasket job, and I have the exact same problem as the person in this thread: http://forums.2gnt.com/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=5&topic_id=56914&mode=full

So, I'm proceeding to take the head off, AGAIN, but a couple of questions about the HG and bolts. The car has been idled for maybe 3 minutes tops with a couple of revs mixed in to put load on the motor. (Checking if my timing was on.) Would that be enough heat/pressure to necessitate a new HG and headbolts?

Most likely you wont need a new head gasket unless it was crushed in the torquing of the head bolts to the point that it wont line up the corect way.

Examine the head gasket, if its a mls you should be fine if its a composite then replace it.

Head bolts would be fine.

Originally posted by PinkPixi
Most likely you wont need a new head gasket unless it was crushed in the torquing of the head bolts to the point that it wont line up the corect way. Examine the head gasket, if its a mls you should be fine if its a composite then replace it. Head bolts would be fine.

Thankfully its the mls, so hopefully it'll be fine. Though I did spray copper sealant on it. So would you recommend just blasting it with parts cleaner to get the oil, coolant, and copper spray off, then recoat with copper?

yes clean it up really really good and then try again.

No one sgould be using composite any more. If your using OEM head bolts, make sure you get new ones as they are torque to yoeld and should not be re-used. Depending on your goals, this would be a good oppertunity to go arp. Also if this is a 95-96ruff block, shave 3-4to threads off of the head bolt ur usong for the rear dive side head bolt hole as it is possible that hole was bored incorrectly. Theres a tsb out for it. Gl!