Another Head Gasket Question...Sorry

[CassMori]

Yea, I believe it was revised... I have a new headgasket and ARP studs torqued to 85 ft/lbs...It has been fine for over a year and 5000 miles @ stock boost, and has had cooling system problems the entire time, and the engine has gotten pretty hot twice, but the head gasket is still fine.

I've got the Fel-Pro version of the HG, ARP bolts torqued to ~85 lbs - been working great for ~21.5 k miles (13 months), at 15 psi. From the pics I've seen, the Fel-Pro gasket appears identical to the Toyota gasket. Anyone know for sure?

 

[ForcedTorque]

Once the engine has been heat cycled, I would not change the stock bolts to ARP without changing the HG. Too easy to compromise the seal on either a composite HG or MHG once you loosen the bolts. Just make sure the torque is at 75 ft/lbs on the stock bolts.

Thanks for that answer Jdub! That's exactly what I was worried about, and doubtfully wondered if there was a way to do it. I take your advise as gospel, so I guess I'm stuck with stock gasket and bolts until it blows.

 

[jdub]

You're welcome
As long as you're not going crazy with the boost and you've got it torqued down well, the stock HG should last a long time. You just might be waiting a while

 

[drumminforev]

You can re-use ARP studs or bolts...use the ARP spec for the hardware...81 ft/lbs for studs, 75 ft/lbs (aluminum head spec) for bolts...both specs assume using moly for lube. These torque specs apply to both MHG's and stock type composite gaskets. APR recommends a 5 pass loosening/tightening cycle using the TRSM pattern for the most accurate torque reading. Torque to final spec using multiple passes. Do a re-torque after at least 5 heat cycles when using new ARP hardware. You can use a spray sealer if you wish on a composite HG or a used MHG as long as all the old viton seal is removed...never use a sealer on a new MHG.

Once the engine has been heat cycled, I would not change the stock bolts to ARP without changing the HG. Too easy to compromise the seal on either a composite HG or MHG once you loosen the bolts. Just make sure the torque is at 75 ft/lbs on the stock bolts.

While I don't advocate this, the stock head bolts have been re-used many times by many people...the Toyota bolts are excellent quality. Don't torque over 75 ft/lbs. Personally, I would go with the ARP hardware too

Could u explain how to proply do a heat cycle in steps.

 

[johnathan1]

Get the car up to operating temp (drive around a couple times) and then let it cool down.