Hi I have managed to blow my head gasket again on my 2wd Saph. Is the ARP studs and Nuts reusable? I have thrown the instructions away, does anyone know the torque settings. I remember there were two as one was or the arp grease and the other for motor oil (which is better). I am only running 14 psi (MD67 turbo), RS500 intercooler, air filter and exhaust, not a huge power car, but this is my 3rd group A head gasket in under a year. I have had the head skimmed any ideas?

Many thanks

 

Yes, they are reusable (assuming you've not stretched them). The ARP instructions for my 190,000 psi 12mm stud kit says torque the nuts to 80 ft lbs when using ARP moly assembly lubricant. (or 120 ft lbs if using 30wt oil). The studs should be screwed into the block hand tight only.

 

Thanks for those settings they will come inuseful this weekend. Any ideas on why the head gasket keeps going?

Thanks

 

Hi Mate,
obviously something not right here! Has it happened the same way every time? And when you say head gasket blown is it leaking water or has it blown between the cylinders? Or something else?

Mike.

 

Hi Mike,

It is leaking water, it always comes from under the exhaust mainfold and leaks down the side of the block, but not in the same place. First time round it was at the black near the bulk head and then near the front of the engine. Got hold of a second hand head and had it skimmed, it has now gone under the exhaust mainfold at the front of the engine. Every time I have replaced the head gasket I have made sure all surfaces are well cleaned. I have heard different things, some say put a little sealer alone that edge as the are prone to wear, some say don't put anything on. Your advise is greatly appreciated.

Many thanks.

 

A couple of things for you to check; Is the block deck flat? Has the head been overheated before, if so it could have softened and won't seal properly, get it checked for flatness and hardness.

 

Thanks sailorbob,

I have owned the car for 2 years now and to my knowledge the temperature has never gone into the red. Will the company that skimmed the head be able to check the softness? With the block, can I use a straight edge or will it need to been slightly more technical.

Many thanks.

Mike

 

Most good machine shops will be able to test the hardness. A proper straight edge with ground face is always best but you can probably get away with using a qaulity metal rule edge on.

 

If it's disorted you may need to have the block skimmed!