Are LS head bolts reusable?
On a GM LS engine, the cylinder head bolts are TTY and cannot be re-used. The connecting rod bolts are also TTY, but can be tightened up to three times for bearing checking. The intake manifold, rocker arm, and rear cover bolts can be reused.
When should you change head bolts?
If the engine has low mileage you can usually reuse the head bolts if they are NOT aluminum. In an engine with over 100,000 on it, the head bolts should always be replaced. If the bolts are aluminum, then again, you always replace them.
Do I need new head gaskets?
If the body of the gasket loses load and leaks coolant into the oil ports, bad things happen. The oil will be compromised in its lubricity, resulting in possible damage to the internal engine parts. It may also result in excessive heat and other failures. This requires replacement of the head gasket immediately.
Can You reuse head bolts on an engine?
Tips for Reusing Head Bolts. Reusing head bolts on your engine is not usually recommended by dealerships and car manufacturers. However, when you change your head gasket, or do other mechanical work to the head assembly, you can reuse your head bolts if they are in good condition and you follow a few tips.
How are head bolts and head gaskets related?
The relationship between head gaskets and head bolts is an intimate one. The clamping load applied by the head bolts is what allows the head gasket to maintain its seal. For this marriage to last, there has to be constant tension – not too much, otherwise the bolts may stretch or break, and not too little, otherwise the gasket may lose its seal.
Can you use MLS head gaskets with TTY head bolts?
MLS head gaskets work well with TTY head bolts as well as conventional head bolts because there is no layer of soft material that can take a compression set over time.
What kind of head gaskets do I need for a late model engine?
Consequently, late model engines with TTY head bolts typically require less torque on the head bolts than older engines with conventional head bolts and composition or graphite head gaskets. MLS head gaskets are usually made of three, four or five layers of embossed stainless steel, although some OEM gaskets use more layers.