Head removal, 2 questions about head bolts....

[Onizuka]

i have my SR striped down to the block and head right now and im removing the head to put a metal headgasket on. To remove the head bolts i have a 10mm allen wrench with a 4 foot iron pipe i stuck on the end for torque levrage. I dont know what the factory torque specs are but it is hard to turn them even with a 4 foot bar. So far i have turned each bolt 3 times about 1/10th a turn each time and wanted to know if im doing anything wrong before i continue. So, my questions are:

Am i taking off the headbolts properly?

and

Can i use the headbolts again after i take them off?

thanks for the help

-matt

[Altiman94]

You cannot reuse the head bolts after taking them out. Either order aftermarket ones, or get OEM replacements.

[NeedCAforS13]

yes it sounds like you are taking them off properly... do it in small steps, as to prevent warping the head! Go across the engine when doing the bolts, starting from either end and working your way towards the middle 2 bolts. Check your FSM for exact loosening procedure!

You can reuse the headbolts (as long as they're not the completely threaded kind... ie. not all the way to the top kind)... but since they're a vital part of your motor (and relatively cheap:)) its common practice to just buy new ones... OEM should be fine for your motor I'd think Matt...

good luck!:D

Sean

[Onizuka]

Thanks guys! Yeah i'll just order some new one when i get a chance. It is amazing that the allen wrech doesnt just twist from all the torque im putting on it (cheap arse one from home depot). Anyways, thats for the help again.

-matt

[Hijacker]

keep us updated on how it goes, matt! a new headgasket is something i'm thinking of for way down the line.

question: why are you changing the gasket? the stock SR HGs are pretty tough IMO. you planning a turbo upgrade?

[NeedCAforS13]

yes he is upgrading the turbo... brand new t28bb and tubular manifold!:)

Sean

[SRBURG13]

what size gasket? and from where?

[Onizuka]

1.1mm metal headgasket from http://www.heavythrottle.com

-matt

[MojoMan]

I remember I pulled the head off of my blown sr on the garage floor. I had to hold the motor with one hand and use the breaker bar with the other and it wasn't a 4 ft bar. Those head bolts are definately on there.