I was reading a thread a while back when I first started working on my car, and it had a picture showing that some of our cars needed to have the head bolts cut down a few grooves to make it fit, since one of the holes in the block was shorter then the rest. I have searched and can not find it now, and I think I need to do this, as now with fresh gaskets and everything fine, the head gasket area still leaks. Anyone know what I'm talking about? I have everything ready, just not sure how much to cut off. I know you can buy arp's and it will fix it too, but I don't have the money right now for that.

wait, are you trying to re-use the OEM head bolts? if so..DONT. you must replace them with arp's or the like. OEM head bolts are not meant to be re-torqued. and you still have to cut some off the arp's.

You dont have to cut the ARP's and you can use the OEM headbolts, just dont reuse them, get new ones. The rear headbolt closest to the drivers sides gets cut. You need to trim 2-3 threads off it. They are many ways you can do this. Dremel, hacksaw, cutoff saw, etc.

you can re-use oem bolts as long as they have not stretched, the dealer will tell you so. Most people are not a good judge of stretched bolts and therefore should replace them but if you know what to look for then use a thread gauge and check for stretching. I have reused head bolts that have not stretched, even checked with the dealer to see if any TSB's were released and there tech agreed that re-use is still the current practice.

You need to cut 2 threads off the 4 corner bolts. if you have installed the new gasket and it leaks, then it sounds like your bolts are stretched. a fresh gasket should not leak if torqued down. the problem of the bolts arise when the gasket gets a bit older. technically the MLS gasket is designed to solve the problem without cutting the bolts.

Terry

Originally posted by Star Turbo Talon
you can re-use oem bolts as long as they have not stretched, the dealer will tell you so. Most people are not a good judge of stretched bolts and therefore should replace them but if you know what to look for then use a thread gauge and check for stretching. I have reused head bolts that have not stretched, even checked with the dealer to see if any TSB's were released and there tech agreed that re-use is still the current practice. You need to cut 2 threads off the 4 corner bolts. if you have installed the new gasket and it leaks, then it sounds like your bolts are stretched. a fresh gasket should not leak if torqued down. the problem of the bolts arise when the gasket gets a bit older. technically the MLS gasket is designed to solve the problem without cutting the bolts. Terry

Aw man, I wasnt aware of all four corners!!

Just as a precaution, only one documented was the left rear bolt.

I also read a while back if you have a 95 block you don't need to do this, guess they tapped it far enough. I think it was DarkOne who quoted this.

Originally posted by RxR_Eclipse
I also read a while back if you have a 95 block you don't need to do this, guess they tapped it far enough. I think it was DarkOne who quoted this.

Thats good to know.

Cause I never cut any threads off of mine :P

95 ownz once again

I have checked the bolts, none are stretched, now that I know 95's don't have the tap problem, the only other things are the oil sending unit or wrong torque specs. I am using a MLS gasket, so that shouldn't be a problem. Where exactly is the oil sending unit, and is there anything specific, besides leaking too look for? Also, I am using synthetic oil to lube the bolts and torquing to the specs listed in the manual:

1) Center bolts 1 through 6 to 25 ft lbs, outer 7 through 10 to 20 ft lbs.
2) Center bolts 1 - 6 to 50 ft lbs, outer 7 - 10 to 20 ft lbs.
3) Center bolts 1 - 6 to 50 ft lbs, outer 7 - 10 to 20 ft lbs.

Of course drive it around a bit, let it cool down and re-torque.

If any one has some suggestions / tips, please speak them. Thanks.

I can't say that the bolt thing is true for all 95's. Mine had that issue and mine is a 95. It may have something to do with build dates, but mine had the same issue and the same leak. Just a word to the wise on that.

Originally posted by destruckeclipse
Of course drive it around a bit, let it cool down and re-torque.

the head bolts? in order to get to them you have to remove the cams again. thats a major pain in the ass imo. if you torque them correctly you shouldn't have to re-torque

Originally posted by willmayo

Originally posted by destruckeclipse Of course drive it around a bit, let it cool down and re-torque.

the head bolts? in order to get to them you have to remove the cams again. thats a major pain in the ass imo. if you torque them correctly you shouldn't have to re-torque

Yes pain in the ass, but I always though it was necessary. Thats what I been told anyways. I think I will still cut the bolts, just in case. Thanks for the info guys.

PS: Just want to add, you car looks hawt in your sig will.

I have a 95 and I had the infamous leak. I bought new OEM bolts from Bob Kise and cut the rear driver's side on down about 3 threads shorter with a dremel and a carbide cutoff wheel tip. No more leaky.

I haven't seen anyone ask if you milled the head or not?

The head needs to be straight or it won't seal, no matter what you do to the bolts. Your head could be warped causing the leaking.

Exile Racing Technologies
http://www.exileracing.com
Go that way, really fast, if something gets in your way... turn.

Originally posted by Michael_97RS
I haven't seen anyone ask if you milled the head or not? The head needs to be straight or it won't seal, no matter what you do to the bolts. Your head could be warped causing the leaking. Exile Racing Technologies http://www.exileracing.com Go that way, really fast, if something gets in your way... turn.

Well, it did not leak till I put in a new MLS gasket, and this was the first time the engine has ever been opened. I might go with the stock gasket if this doesn't work.

Here's the thread you were looking for:
http://forums.2gnt.com/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=23&topic_id=796&mesg_id=796&listing_type=search

It's in things we've seen before.

Lots of good info in there.