Once again Thanks for the help with the glow plug and controller saga. Now I went tracking down the source of a coolant leak. It was dripping steadily off the starter. I was finally able to see that it was coming out of the head gasket area. No cracks in the block around the block heater or freeze plug.

I tried to tighten the exposed head bolts but didn't get the leak to stop. My son used good quality gaskets and said he took his time and torqued he head on correctly. So I'd like to redo this and want to be sure to fix it this time.

Any recommendations on gasket brands, do I need new bolts and higher torque settings? Do I need to chase the threads and lube the bolts before use? Probably ought to do both sides, right?

Did I miss anything?

Thanks

Todd

 

I would do both if I do any, not that much farther in, and if one is failed, the other is suspect, unless they were both put in new and this one is leaking. It would be helpful to know what we are even dealing with in regards to motor and such. If it is a diesel, then it is easy to accidentally mess up a head gasket while putting the head in position. Over tightening of the head bolts only serves to stress the bolts, it will never help seal a leak. Felpro, Victor are two right off the top of my head that are good ones.

 

Sorry: It is an 85 6.9. Should be stock. The heads were redone before installing in an 83 F250 4X4. Rebuilt standyne and injectors. I was not involved in the engine work but did assist in the installation.

It makes sense that the gasket could have been damaged during head installation, they are very heavy.

What is the general consensus, do we reuse the bolts or get new? Is there a good brand to get?

I intend to chase the threads and lube the bolts before installation. Do we use the book torque values or add a little?

Thanks

Todd

 

I don't think the head bolts on those are stretch torque, so I would reuse them. I follow spec for tightening, as well as sequence. If you lube, it changes the torque values. Unless specified, do not lube them.