gaskets and head bolts

[Ralph S3]

Further to my fuel injector thread I now need to buy a top end head gasket set and a set of the use once head bolts. There seems to be a big difference in the costs of these depending on the supplier. For example, Burton engineering charge £58 for the gaskets and an eye watering £89 for the bolts. Lds Engineering charge £41 and £36. Ebay has plenty of suppliers such as the gasket shop at lower prices.

I’m happy to pay for good quality but has anyone used any of these suppliers or could recommend another??

Ralph

[phillpot]

You could try "Gaskets for Classics"

The parts you're after are not listed on his Ebay Shop but give him a call, I've have the bolts and top end gasket set from him in the past.


prices back in 2009, Head set £39.00 + postage and set of bolts ££19.50 + p&p

[greymrj]

Yes, Gaskets for Classics supplied me too. Do you have Hex or Torx head bolts? The earlier Hex bolts are OK to re-used as long as there is no rust on them. I just checked the V6 Sierra manual and it confirms that. Mine is a 2.8 and I have built a couple of engines and never replaced the head bolts. To the best of my knowledge these head gaskets are not prone to failure. Unless of course you are going for a big power increase, then take Burtons advice.

[Ralph S3]

Thanks Guys..!!

[Sandgrounder]

Just out of interest, why are the Head bolts 'use once only'?

Thanks

[phillpot]

Their common name is "stretch bolts" .

When tightened correctly they actually stretch.

Bolts should be lightly oiled, first stage tighten to 38Nm, second stage 73Nm, wait five minutes and tighten a further 90 degrees (quarter turn)... that's the stretch bit!


In basic technical terms they go beyond their "elastic stage" (where they would return to original length when loosened) into their "plastic stage" where they are permanently deformed.

Hence not re-useable.

[Sandgrounder]

What a strange idea!

Thanks Mike