Athena 1.2mm head gasket problem!

[starletezy]

OEM head bolts you shouldn't re-use as everyone knows they stretch the only bolts you can re-use are the ARP

[tommyep82]

Are you mentioned to re check arp bolts with athena gasket?

I've heard people say check after a 1000km and now I see people saying check the day after what's the story with this,

[StuDoc 72]

Im assuming people just mean once the engine has settled and ran a bit just check the ARP head bolts/nuts are still tight as they are not stretch and may need re-torqued after everything settles.

Again something that might not need done but its good practice to do so.

[Chief Quimby]

Well, you can easy reuse oem, you just messure them, and make sure they havent stretch to much.

[starletezy]

You can but is it worth the risk just slap a new one on and be done

[morgey]

There will be a service spec for the headbolts. The FSM will have the original spec and max stretched length.

If you're unsure of the history of the car/engine its worth replacing for peice of mind.

As for your head, i would have dropped it at a machine shop and had them run a dti over it to test for flatness. Would only take them 2 mins and you'd find out any issues. Is a much better method than the straight edge and slip gauges imo

[starletezy]

The straight edge is an old school technique it still works still see people using that method today and having no issues obviously its not %100 accurate but gives you an rough idea.the head has been skimed and checked recently was perfectly fine

[morgey]

It will work fine for the best part and finding any low spots around bores etc but if theres any warpage it wont show that as much. I know warpage should get pulled straight when bolted down but if its straight in the first place its always better.

Anyway thats just my 2p lol

Its a strange one that it went though none the less

[maddox710]

Mls gaskets are iffy especially on surfaces that are not machined and prepped properly

[starletezy]

In theory yes on minor wrapt surfaces LOL strange as it is the gasket will be going on my wall as an souvenir now haha. They defiantly are lessons learnt this time!

[starletezy]

When I apply the VHT Copper Gasket were do I spray it on the block deck and head or both sides of the gasket? cheers

[Ollieh17]

I did both sides of gasket

[starletezy]

Cheers mate! going to do the same