Fixing HG for 1st and last time, need help
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From: Sellersburg, IN
Originally Posted by afwfjustin,Feb 7 2008, 10:39 PM
I know that the a/f isn't too crazy or anything, since 12.4 is supposedly the best place to make power, but something has to be the problem right? The ARP studs were followed to perfect specification: sequence, a snap-on brand torque wrench, and the supplied moly lube to 80 ft. lbs. Copper spray was used too. I only ran the car with the turbo/hg for 2-3 thousand miles in a 8 month period (I barely vtec'd as the power delivery is already pretty intense up to 6k).
Something had to be the reason... I had no heat and kept losing coolant and overheating a bit for a solid month before the car started shooting white smoke out of the exhaust upon startup and having a really hard time cranking up. I then parked it in my driveway and it's been there almost 3 months. My tuner is Turbo Dave at Mainstream Performance - he fabricates full race cars and does insane motor swaps and tunes AEM exclusively there. I know he knows his stuff.
Somebody told me that I should try overtightening the studs to 90 ft. lbs so I might try that. I could go in sequence to 80 ft. lbs. then give each another 10 in sequence.
Something had to be the reason... I had no heat and kept losing coolant and overheating a bit for a solid month before the car started shooting white smoke out of the exhaust upon startup and having a really hard time cranking up. I then parked it in my driveway and it's been there almost 3 months. My tuner is Turbo Dave at Mainstream Performance - he fabricates full race cars and does insane motor swaps and tunes AEM exclusively there. I know he knows his stuff.
Somebody told me that I should try overtightening the studs to 90 ft. lbs so I might try that. I could go in sequence to 80 ft. lbs. then give each another 10 in sequence.
I have first hand experience with the ARP headstuds and there is absolutely nothing wrong with them if you do the proper install and torque. You do not have to re-torque after a few heat cycles either. Only let the car set over night after you first install and torque them and then re-do them the next day just as a check before buttoning the car up.
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From: Seattle, WA
Originally Posted by Spoolin,Feb 8 2008, 02:52 PM
First of all, the whole reason for you having the problem with the HG in the first place is due to your overheating issue. It only takes one time to get the engine too hot and slightly warp the head or gasket and that will cause all kinds of problems.
I have first hand experience with the ARP headstuds and there is absolutely nothing wrong with them if you do the proper install and torque. You do not have to re-torque after a few heat cycles either. Only let the car set over night after you first install and torque them and then re-do them the next day just as a check before buttoning the car up.
I have first hand experience with the ARP headstuds and there is absolutely nothing wrong with them if you do the proper install and torque. You do not have to re-torque after a few heat cycles either. Only let the car set over night after you first install and torque them and then re-do them the next day just as a check before buttoning the car up.
This coming summer I will take better heat precautions. I'm going to reroute the brake air ducts to my turbo area and vent my hood. I might look into a better oil cooler and bigger radiator as well.
Thanks for the tip
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From: Seattle, WA
Oh, If both my head AND block need to be resurfaced, does that mean I'm going to have to pull my motor? I really, really don't want to have to do that. And I'm guessing the added compression shouldn't be an issue?
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From: Sellersburg, IN
Originally Posted by afwfjustin,Feb 8 2008, 03:06 PM
Oh, If both my head AND block need to be resurfaced, does that mean I'm going to have to pull my motor? I really, really don't want to have to do that. And I'm guessing the added compression shouldn't be an issue?
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im sure your block is okay. deffinately resurface that head. and i would retorque those headbolts after the first couple of heat cycles just for peice of mind. Deffinately dont plan on it taking 12+ hours. whole headgasket job for me was 3 hours. and it was my first time. i would say safely set aside 6 hours. goodluck!
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From: Seattle, WA
Originally Posted by slimjim8201,Feb 8 2008, 04:06 PM
240 probably won't warp the block, the head perhaps, but not the block. 273...now thats another story.
Oh, how I wish I didn't know that for certain...
Oh, how I wish I didn't know that for certain...
Thanks for the good words guys - I feel a lot better knowing that a first timer can get it done in a day. I'll try and get the head off one night, get it machined the next day, and put everything together. Hopefully I can get it done in the next two weeks (I go to school 50 hours/week and work full time as well).
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After some credit card "billing address" mixup the gasket arrived finally today!!! Thanks to IP for their great customer service - very cool guys to deal with.
I will be pulling the head and getting it machined very soon. I am so sick of not driving my car I could go crazy.
The first C6 I see is getting embarrassed...
I will be pulling the head and getting it machined very soon. I am so sick of not driving my car I could go crazy.
The first C6 I see is getting embarrassed...
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