Head gasket

Hey guys !

So finally found where my water/antifreeze was going-as my oil is now a creamy colour so it is the head.

But a quick question - when changing the head gasket do the head bots need to be changed please ?

userlw wrote: Hey guys !

So finally found where my water/antifreeze was going-as my oil is now a creamy colour so it is the head.

But a quick question - when changing the head gasket do the head bots need to be changed please ?

Head bolts are designed to stretch, some have tolerance measurements and can be used again. I would use new ones evertime, why chance having to do the job twice.

Using the old head bolts is a no no really
also get the best head gasket you can
regardless of cost
As cheap one s tend to give up

NickG wrote: Using the old head bolts is a no no really
also get the best head gasket you can
regardless of cost
As cheap one s tend to give up

Trust this 100% ...... bloke knows what hes talking about
you can save money by using the old ones.....but it'l cost you more in the long run

Head bolts are often stretch bolts that are once only use. Not on all engines though. I would always use new ones but they aren't always cheap.

Payen gaskets are good quality and I always try to get them. Make sure both head and block are clean and score free and get the head skimmed no matter what.

This should make it a once only job then.

I've read that washing powder in the coolant for a short while will get the oil out of the coolant channels. Car mechanics magazine did it with good results on their octavia project car when the oil cooler split and allowed the oil and coolant to mix. Don't run it for too long with it in though. Sounds like a heath Robinson thing to do but works apparently.

Kirkynut