Outer Limits 4x4 Board

Replacing head gasket and getting head repaired,need to know if i should replace head bolts.if so where and how much?

You only have to replace your head bolts if its a TD42. TB42 are fine to be re tensioned

Thanks for that.Would you know what the torque settigs are?

Ive got them in the shed(to far away at the moment). If i was you id get a manual if you are going to do it yourself as there are certain tightening sequences and proceedures (ie pre torqueing the head, use of dial gauge etc)

I cant remember the exact spec, they give an angle and a torque, and you tighten to whichever is tighter, and it always seems to be the torque. Generally with head bolts start from the middle and spiral out. I also mark all the head blots and a corresponding spot on the head once you have tensioned the head, I suggest you go over it again in the same order loosening and retorqing each bolt in order, you will usually find the head bolts will turn further by about one flank of the bolt.
If I do a turbo engine I use new head bolts as I dont have the means to measure the bolt stretch which is the best check for bolt condition, for $120 if the head had been off and on before I'd buy new bolts.
Joel

Bolts are Torque to Yeild, they are not ment to be re-used. Buy new ones.

Cost me $60.00 for an entire set. Not worth the risk of re-using.

From my very limited experience. Some head bolts are able to be re-used and some are throw away. Your local head reconditioner should be able to tell you what ones can and cant. If you dont clean the threaded holes in the block properly then you may get a false torque reading therefore where practicable a dial gauge is a lot more accurate for your final tension. BUT if your head gasket is different for one reason or another then an angle gauge will NOT be accurate as you may have a different amount of crush

My 2c

did mine before chrismas it cost me $48 for the set

REPLACE them you dont want to do it again do you

DONT go to nissan there $7-9 each

my opinion

Brought new bolts from Bursons today.Cost me $57.Not bad.Nissan had quoted me about $300.Just a quick tale of my journey.My TB42 (on gas)would warm up,approx 3/4 plus on the gauge,but only on hot days.Could manage it(just) buy turning a/c off,switching to petrol,opening heat tap and babyin it.However this proved very frustrating and not right.Was also loosing water.Did all the obivous,thermostat,fan,hoses,radiator etc...Was 80% sure it was a head/gasket issue.It took a Qualified??? mechanic about 3 days to identify it was a head/gasket issue.I took head off and the gasket had blown out at no 6.i had the head tested and was abit nervous as it had already been repaired by previous owner.Head tested fine,no cracks,no leaks, all was well.Surface the head,brought graphite head gasket,new bolts and am bolting her back together as we speak.Moral of the storey.....not all news is BAD news.
P.S MAINTENCE IS THE BEST PREVENTION.

Did you use a genuine nissan head gasket

Head reconditioner told me it's probably safer to replace but not necessary. Nissan told me not to bother, can be re-tensioned and they don't on their own customers' work. So i didn't bother and have had no problems

Didn't use genuine Nissan head gaket.Mate at Carac(Autobarn Dandy)sourced it through a company called MDS,who supply engine bits and gaskets.Not sure of the brand name,however the packet stated it was made in Japan.Still cost me over $100.

GQ Bear wrote:Head reconditioner told me it's probably safer to replace but not necessary. Nissan told me not to bother, can be re-tensioned and they don't on their own customers' work. So i didn't bother and have had no problems

I didnt replace mine either. Im running a turbo petrol and its fine. I did use genuine head gasket though.
I did check all my head bolts again at 1000 ks though , im a bit paranoid like that. Everything was perfect.

But never say never. Who knows whats going to happen

Zac Zec wrote:

GQ Bear wrote:Head reconditioner told me it's probably safer to replace but not necessary. Nissan told me not to bother, can be re-tensioned and they don't on their own customers' work. So i didn't bother and have had no problems

I didnt replace mine either. Im running a turbo petrol and its fine. I did use genuine head gasket though.
I did check all my head bolts again at 1000 ks though , im a bit paranoid like that. Everything was perfect.

But never say never. Who knows whats going to happen

Head reconditioner sourced me a graphite gasket kit which he reckoned are heaps better, cost about $130 trade.

I'm pretty sure that Nissan have superceeded the genuine gasket to the steel shim type used on the TB45, they are the way of the futute as every manufacturer seems to be going to muli layer stainless shim head gaskets, certainly Ford since the Au, Holden Gen3, Nissan TB45 and so on.
Joel