head bolts 170ci help

[Anonymous]

hi there, my name is charlie. im new to this forum but not car forums. i kinda have a noob question about the head bolts on my 1965 ranchero 170ci motor. my head gasket blew and ive ordered a new head gasket to put on, my question is: will i need new head bolts as well? ive read about those torque-to -yield bolts that you can only use once. If i do need new ones, where can i get them because i cant seem to find any on the dearborn classics or falcon parts websites.

 

[Bort62]

You can re-use your stock bolts. No problem with that.

You should know that the new head gasket you are getting will be approximately twice as thick as the stock head gasket, so you will lose some compression. A lot of people on here will advise you to mill the head to retain your compression ratio.

If ultimate performance is your goal, then that is a good choice. However, if daily driver functionality is your main concern, then it's not a big deal. The drop in compression from a head gasket switch will be so minor you won't even notice.

Welcome to the forum!

 

[page62]

What Bort said is all true. The head gasket thickness thing is somtimes blown out of proportion.

Before installing, check your head bolts carefully. I noticed a stretched bolt that Bubba had obviously ovvertorqued during a previous rebuild. To this day, I wonder if there are any other stretched bolts in there, but my head gasket doesn't leak and I have good power. It doesn't get any better than that!

If you need replacement bolts, go to a specialty "bolt & screw" shop. Take a sample bolt and specify Grade 8 bolt(s). There is nothing magical in the head bolts of an old Ford six...

 

[rbohm]

8) while the stock head bolts are reusable, torque to yield head bolts are a relatively new item, if oyu have any question at al about the bolts, replace them. they are not expensive, and are cheap insurance against future problems. check out www.classicinlines.com for a set of head bolts for your engine. mike carries ARP bolts which in my not so humble opinion are the best fasteners around.

 

[Bort62]

I used grade 8 bolts from Olander. 9 psi and still no headgasket problems ...

 

[addo]

Also, clean the block threads meticulously! Use a chasing tool, or a spare bolt ground with clearance slots, then flush with brake cleaner, or a similar spray solvent and compressed air.

When refitting the bolts, use a lubricant sparingly on both the threads and under the head. Copper grease, moly grease, anti-seize, synth motor oil - all work. But don't slather it on; just a wipe. You want to avoid trapping air in the hole.

Cheers, Adam.

 

[Anonymous]

wow, thanks guys. all very good info. yeah, its just my daily driver, i drive like 5mph under in the ranchero anyway, i dont care if its fast. im trying to get it as reliable as possible. ill definately check out those ARP bolts if anything looks sketchy. The block was rebuilt 26000 miles ago, kinda makes me wonder. my guess to why the head gasket went was because its so hot out here in arizona (108degrees in the summer), and my car doesnt have a fan shroud. my "fun" car is an 83 Mazda RX7 with ford 5.0L/AOD<still putting together. it only weighs 2100 lbs with me in it!!!


-Charlie