I am doing some engine detailing and had my valve covers off and I noticed the head of a bolt laying next to a valve spring. After a closer look I see the head bolt on the left head at the front is broke off. I cant believe I didn't blow a head gasket! I used an easy out and removed the remainder of the bolt from the block. Now should I find a head bolt and reinstall it and go as is - or - is there a risk if one was weak maybe there is a chance that more of them will break? Would I be better to buy a complete set of head bolts and replace them all? If I do should I loosen the intake first then install and retourqe the head bolts then retourqe the intake? Is there a chance that loosening the heads to replace the bolts without replacing head gaskets will result in blowing the old gaskets?

 

I'd say don't rock the boat.

You've got the rest of the bolt out, and you don't have a leak yet.

Get a new bolt, oil it up, torque it down most of the way, then go around and torque the whole head, as though you were just putting it on the block, just in case any others have loosened.

Don't over think this.

- Eric

 

X 2

 

x3

Don't look for more work

 

I might have an extra bolt if you need one....

 

I was just about to post asking if anyone had an extra or knows where I can get one. Send me a PM and see if we can work it out. I was hoping to find one in the Chicago area so I can pick it up and get this thing rolling.
Thanks

 

be sure to blow the hode out befor installing new bolt.

 

I just bumped into a whole ZipLock ful of them in the barn, but I agree that someone nearby would be the best choice.

- Eric

 

vmathy, pm sent

 

It is usually a good idea to run a tap in the hole and clean the threads but you will not be able to do that with the head on. Just get it as clean as possible and lightly oil the bolt so you get an accuarate torque reading. I agree with the others. don't create more work.

 

You haven't said what type of engine you're working on but in most cases before you install that Head Bolt, Thread Sealer should be used because most Head Bolts go into Water Jackets and you start a coolant leak you won't be expecting.

 

Sorry its a 455 with G heads.

 

vmathy, another pm sent...

 

Water jacketed Head Bolt Holes. soooo get some thread sealer and torque those Head Bolts like MDchanic suggests.....

 

Thanks all I got a bolt from a local machine shop he had an extra and just gave it to me - locked down and ready to button up