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replace head bolts w/ studs...one at a time OK?

76zimmer

76zimmer

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Got a good running engine, and want to replace the headbolts with ARP studs...OK to do one at a time so as not to disturb the gasket?

what about torquing them in steps..is it needed or not?
 
I'd say one at a time, and tq to final value before moving onto the next. The point of step torquing is an even squeeze on a new gasket. Doing one at a time the gasket isn't disturbed and is already fully squeezed.

I'm curious how you're gonna chase the threads in the block though?
 
pm 4x4high scott for best answer.

if not leaking or having any problems save till next tear down my self.

why half A$$ it if not needed.

and dont forget the coolent will leak on some.
 
tRustyK5 said:
I'd say one at a time, and tq to final value before moving onto the next. The point of step torquing is an even squeeze on a new gasket. Doing one at a time the gasket isn't disturbed and is already fully squeezed.

I'm curious how you're gonna chase the threads in the block though?
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This is for my brother in NC Rene' not sure yet what he's working on, but its generally heavy equipment diesel stuff.
That was one question I asked him, as ARP insists on clean threads in the receiving metal.
 
I think it depends what it is, a old cummins sure. a 6.0 ford or a duramax no way... to much work to get at not to do the gaskets too.:dunno:

If he`s going to the trouble of doing it why not do the gaskets?
 
I'm not sure the circumstances....I'll find out tomorrow.
 
There are guys one the diesel forums doing them one at a time on duramax engines.

I personally haven't done it, but on a SB chevy should be ok cuz the 5 head bolts per cyl. Clamps the head nice and even.
 
This is on my brothers 05 Powersmoke...he has noticed more exhaust vapor coming out of the tailpipe and is afraid he may be headed toward the dreaded EGR cooler failure, and was thinking he should upgrade the head bolts to studs at the same time if he has to replace/upgrade the EGR cooler.
 
Or sell it and get something worthwhile like a cummins:whistle:

Sorry, I despise all things ford, especially the powersmokes because I've blown 3 up already... :eek1:
 
76zimmer said:
This is on my brothers 05 Powersmoke...he has noticed more exhaust vapor coming out of the tailpipe and is afraid he may be headed toward the dreaded EGR cooler failure, and was thinking he should upgrade the head bolts to studs at the same time if he has to replace/upgrade the EGR cooler.
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I'm not 100% on this, but, I don't think that it's possible to get the studs in some of the rear holes with the engine in the truck, unless of course you lift the cab. Not to mention it's advisable to upgrade the head gaskets on the 6 leakers .....er......I mean liters :D if you are going through the expense and trouble of studing it.
 
I think he said if you leave the cab on, you can't put some of the studs in the block on the rear, until you have the head in place.
But I think he just wants to take some precautions against the worst happening, and has read some people that do the stud replacment as insurance against blowing a gasket, and having good results.
 
76zimmer said:
I think he said if you leave the cab on, you can't put some of the studs in the block on the rear, until you have the head in place.
But I think he just wants to take some precautions against the worst happening, and has read some people that do the stud replacment as insurance against blowing a gasket, and having good results.
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It may be possible :dunno:, I left the ford dealer I used to work at back in 03, so that was right when the 6 leakers were just starting to line up at the door :doah:. I know that it's common place to lift the cab when doing head gaskets and studs , I was thinking that some of the holes were simply to close to the cab to be able to slide a stud into, but , like I said I may be wrong.

Just send him some links to de-stroked.com or fordcummins.com and tell him that will permanently fix his issuses :D
 
6.leakers is correct. only 4 head bolts per hole v 6.4 with more per hole.

if he is getting coolent loss and steam out tail or coolent leak he can see time to do top end gaskets.

its not worth the hassel to try and bandaid it if you ask me. and yes pull the cab up to get to the motors much better on them. thats act dealer service done thing. but a good tech that wants to fight a bit can do it in the engine bay with out cab lifting.
 
He's noticing no loss of coolant right now, but the extra vapor coming out of the tailpipe is what is concerning him...now keep in mind my brother is up on his mechanical maintenance pretty tight.
 
I would NEVER try to replace bolts with head studs without pulling the heads. The "vapor" is no doubt a head gasket on its way out anyhow and would be foolish to waste so much time trying to swap in studs rather than pull the heads and do the job correctly.
 
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