My 2084 "Super Garden Tractor" Head Gasket question.

[timbo2]

If the engine came with bolts I would use bolts. THe gasket itself shouldn't care if it's nuts or bolts.

If you check the service manual it shows some used bolts and some used nuts.

PM me if you need the Command service manual and I can send it to you.

[jimbob200521]

Originally Posted by timbo2

I just re-used the old bolts on my ch22. The manual says get NEW bolts, they looked fine to me but it's up to you. I just threw the nuts in the toolbox.

I seem to remember reading somewhere that the reason they say to use new head bolts when removing the head is because the head bolts are one time use. From what I read, they are designed to "stretch" so it's recommended to replace.

Don't shoot the messenger, just what I remember reading

[dvogtvpe]

Torque to yield bolts, one use only, they do stretch. Some bigger diesels, they give you a gauge to determine if they can be reused. Really the only thing you have to worry about is, if the bolt breaks or gives up and lets a head gasket leak. It is not too big of a deal on these, but you won't want to take a chance on a big engine. A little more work to go through.

[Steppingwolf]

Guys, thank you for the information. So here I am with somewhat of a problem. I have the type of head set with the replacements nut and washers. They are for the engine with studs. My engine as you know uses bolts. I read in the service manual that if a stud is loose that it should be replaced and not reused, just like the bolts. Sooo, doesn't it seem that the studs could be purchased and put in the block in place of the bolts and if measured properly when installing, properly lock tightened, should work for the better? I'm just wondering. Anybody ever heard of someone doing this?

[j4c11]

Originally Posted by Steppingwolf

Guys, thank you for the information. So here I am with somewhat of a problem. I have the type of head set with the replacements nut and washers. They are for the engine with studs. My engine as you know uses bolts. I read in the service manual that if a stud is loose that it should be replaced and not reused, just like the bolts. Sooo, doesn't it seem that the studs could be purchased and put in the block in place of the bolts and if measured properly when installing, properly lock tightened, should work for the better? I'm just wondering. Anybody ever heard of someone doing this?

You're stuck on the stud thing for some reason. Not sure how often you plan on removing the heads, but the bolts are $20 on ebay and you should be good for another 500 hours.

[Steppingwolf]

That is affirmative, j4c11.

[Steppingwolf]

Here is an update, I bought the new head bolts. Been de-carbonizing, polishing pistons and combustion chambers. Thank's for the advise guy's.