ARP Head Stud Leak Problem with H.G?

[angeldunk707]

ok so i heard a lot of he say/she say about the ARP head studs not sealing properly with an aftermarket Headgasket...so can someone please solve this problem by telling me what i can do to prevent this?

The part # FRSport sells is 202-4702...

What ARP part # works like its supposed to and actually seals?or do I need to add washers or what?

[sjbsuperman1425]

i guess the ARP 202-4702 is the part number for the European CA18. To make an aftermarket (Metal Head Gasket) seal properly, be sure that both surfaces (block and head) have been decked and are level. I've also heard/experienced that the sockets get a little suck on the camshaft when installing, atleast mine did when removing.

I think it was Float_6969 that said this, and that the remedy was to get a s***ty socket and grind it down until it fit flush and didn't rub on the camshaft or something of that sort (if this is you problem, and plz dont quote me haha)

Also, a little info, i've tried telling FRSport a few times that the 202-4702 and 202-4302 are NOT the same, and they claim that there isn't even a 202-4302 ARP part number, which I ended up ordering from Summit Racing. Just thought i'd let you guys know.

[angeldunk707]

so is 202-4302 the correct stud? i already knew about the head and block being resurfaced but thanks for clarifying...but yeah is that the correct part # for the studs that fit?

[sjbsuperman1425]

202-4302 is the JDM CA202-4702 is the EDM CA

I bought the 202-4302 and they thread in fine to my block.

[beans33]

I thought the headstuds were fine , alot of people are having a problem with a leak using a cometic hg.

[angeldunk707]

i dont the the hg is the problem im sure it was the studs....i havent heard too many negative things on cometic...

[zmannz]

Haven't replaced anything but stock with stock on a ca18det but let me list the motors I have had/seen cometics AND problems with....4g63, 6g72, 1jz, 2jz, 7mgte... I have never had good luck with them, on my engines or my friends. And no, I didn't install all of those, some were by shops and some by me. I have never popped an OEM gasket though, but I haven't gotten over 800 whp yet either. I feel that having a motor o-ringed is a great way to help avoid needing an mls gasket too.

[angeldunk707]

ok....well i wasnt planning on going with cometic but thanks for your experience with that brand...i

[meminto]

The sealing issues are not caused by the headgasket or the studs (unless incorrectly torqued)...

It is a result of incorrect machining of the head and block surfaces, when fitting a metal headgasket.

There is a specific roughness (RA) that both surfaces need to be finished with and is specified by the manufacturer of the headgasket.

One of the reasons you "hear/read" that cometic gaskets fail more often is that they are purchased more often for the price point, compared to hks/greddy etc..

ALL METAL HEADGASKETS regardless of brand suffer from the same fate if mating surfaces are not machined correctly, the unknown variable is how long it takes to fail..

OEM gaskets are not prone to this phenomenon.

[KEMP]

no need to grind a socket down, i did it and you have to take off alot of material and must get it just perfect to clear the cam, this can be avoided by buying a Snap-On 13mm 12pt. socket, it clears fine

[float_6969]

Cuz you can walk down to the local snap-on store...oh wait, you can't, because they don't have stores.

If you've got access to snap-on stuff, great! But I've been using a ground down socket for about 5 years without any problems. I've had my head on and off COUNTLESS times and it works fine and cost me less than a dollar IIRC.

[boost_boy]

Cuz you can walk down to the local snap-on store...oh wait, you can't, because they don't have stores.

If you've got access to snap-on stuff, great! But I've been using a ground down socket for about 5 years without any problems. I've had my head on and off COUNTLESS times and it works fine and cost me less than a dollar IIRC.

+1 for the ground down sockets and they too, work just fine for me.

Dee

[dash]

based on CA18 testimonials, I'd never touch a cometic.Recently a friend RB25 actually had std oe pistons hitting his cometic, because the gasket bore was too small.

A few neighbours run metal head gaskets on various motors..... *not single one of 'em* had either head or block re-surfaced. Last one I experienced was a street 2JZ @38psi on that gaskets' 3rd use! Lots on sxoc say they never resurfaced their CA18 either.

On the topic of o-ring.... our 2.6 sohc starions have chronic sealing problems approaching 25psi.A few gone 35+psi using o-ring'd head + $17 composite fel-pro. Definitely the route I'd travel for a hi strung CA18.