Rusty head bolts

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Feb 24, 2004 | 09:23 AM

HenryFord

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Rusty head bolts

The lower bolts on cylinders 1, 3, & 5 were very rusty. There is no water in the oil and the engine seemed to run just fine. The head gasket looked like it was sealed properly. Could I have a cracked head or block or is this normal? If I take it to a machine shop will they have to strip the head and block to check for cracks? I'm asking because this is a fairly new short block and I just pulled the heads cause I'm installing a cam & springs before the engine swap. Only want to do this engine once. Thanks

Feb 25, 2004 | 01:10 AM

Superdave

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From: Indiana

HenryFord

Its probably fine if you were having no problems.

Run a tap in the holes and clean them up, then clean the holes out. Run a die on the bolts or wire brush them good at the least. Put a light coating of engine oil on the threads and under the head of the bolt when you re-install them.

Feb 25, 2004 | 09:12 AM

HenryFord

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That's great news! Yeah, I wasn't having any problems, just these 3 bolts are very rusty and no oil or sludge or even moisture on them. Just lots of dry rust. I will clean the holes as you said and replace the bolts. Thanks

Feb 25, 2004 | 02:26 PM

scroob

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Best idea is to use a bottom tap, which will start at the bottom and pull all the gunk upwards and out.

Feb 25, 2004 | 03:38 PM

wtroger

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They get pretty hot down there by the exhaust ports. I usually find they have carbon on them also I assume they somehow get some exhaust gases around them. If they are pitted vary bad I would replace them. There are after market bolts out there.