11 replies to this topic

[Boxman]

For my 400HP engine build I got an aftermarket head gasket from the machine shop, I think it's this one: http://www.joetlc.co...opttt4eebpja137

At least it looks the same.

Anyway, I mounted my cylinder head and tightened it to spec, but then noticed I forgot to put in two bushings that align the head properly. So I took it off, inserted the bushings, and tightened again plus an additional 10 degrees, using the same head bolts and head gasket.

My question: is this still a correct way of mounting it? Should I have replaced the head gasket, and should I have gone for an original Volvo one? Same for the head bolts, they were Payen brand (or something like that). They need replacement, or can I just reuse them? The engine has not been used yet.

[lookforjoe]

Since the engine wasn't run, and therefore subjected to any heat cycling, it should be fine. When I built my motor the first time, back in '08, I didn't buy new head bolts, and one snapped on the reinstall. I didn't replace the gasket, just the head bolts and it was fine. Not sure why you went an extra 10º, though. You did oil all the bolts, correct?

That said, without knowing what brand that gasket actually is, who knows how it will hold up. I used Victor Reinz gaskets previous to my current build, and they held up fine on my 350WHP+ setup. I switched to Volvo branded for the MLS style I'm using for the current build.

[B Mac]

Volvo '04+ MLS gasket is what I'm using. No reason to go elsewhere, I've never heard of one going.

[854TGA+]

Get a new head gasket! Much easier to do it now than later.

I lost track where I was when I was tightening down my head / opted for new gasket & bolts. Just my 2 cents

[Boxman]

Was gone for a while.. The brand for the head gasket is Glaser (part of Dana company). Are they any good, or is that a budget brand?

[Jardim]

If its the same DANA that makes axles for HD trucks, then they are a good company....for their axles, i couldnt tell you anything about their gaskets though.

[Rsterns]

My only concern with reusing a head gasket after torque is that the metallization of the gasket that covers the expansion joints in the block between cylinders, extrudes into it. Your original concern was correct placement, if the re-installation shifts, that particular interface could be compromised.

[Volvo5.0]

Get a new head gasket! Much easier to do it now than later.

I lost track where I was when I was tightening down my head / opted for new gasket & bolts. Just my 2 cents

Agree, get a new gasket AND bolts.

It's easy to lose track. Seems like when I'm torquing head bolts, the phone always rings or someone stops by to watch/talk. The way I keep track is using a Sharpie to make a mark on the head next to each bolt as I angle torque them. If I have to stop for any reason, I know where I left off.

[Boxman]

Okay so I will get a new headgasket, an original volvo one this time. But why the new bolts? The engine hasn't run yet. Are those bolts now prone to breaking? (They were new)

[lookforjoe]

The bolts have already been stretched, they are designed as single-use bolts. Doesn't matter whether you ran the motor or not. You've already used them twice, and (over) torqued them the 2nd time. It makes no sense to risk premature failure by trying to use them over again.

[Boxman]

Okay thanks for the info.

[98FORCED5]

I don't know about everyone else, but I don't torque down, remove, and then re-torque head bolts.
They are tork to yield. This means, to attain correct values, single use only.
Probably slip by, but if you want to do it right, should get new bolts or the gasket will be least of your worries.

Just a friendly notice.