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Author Topic: Gasket Leaking....Re-torque Head bolts??  (Read 3072 times)

September 12, 2018, 05:59:40 pm

thomas m

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Gasket Leaking....Re-torque Head bolts??
« on: September 12, 2018, 05:59:40 pm »
The head gasket was replaced (with other work) at 187,000 miles. I did not do any checking or re-tightening since then.
I have had a slight leak at the gasket between cylinders 3and 4 on the front of the engine. Not a major seep; just annoying.
Current mileage: 310,000.

This is the original engine (I am the original and only owner) with the 12 mm head bolts.

Is it worth checking, and or, re-torquing the head bolts in order to stop or reduce the leak?? Are these "stretch bolts" and would they have to be removed and replaced?? Or could I just re-torque to spec.

I can live with things as they are, but if it is a simple and effective fix, I might like to give it a go.

Comments??
« Last Edit: September 12, 2018, 06:50:58 pm by thomas m »


Thomas, Original owner since new:
1991 MK2 Jetta Non-turbo 1.6 diesel, Engine Code ME, 5 speed 020 AWY 04120 transmission, Hydraulic Lifters,
320,000 miles
Location: Vancouver, WA
LOOKING FOR REBUILD OPTIONS IN PORTLAND, OR OR ON THE WEST COAST

Reply #1September 12, 2018, 07:15:19 pm

libbydiesel

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Re: Gasket Leaking....Re-torque Head bolts??
« Reply #1 on: September 12, 2018, 07:15:19 pm »
Re-torquing the head bolts 123,000 miles later is unlikely to fix anything but it also probably won't hurt anything.  They are stretch bolts, but you could probably give each 1/4 turn.  The normal disclaimers apply.  It's fairly unlikely, but possible, that you could snap one of the head bolts requiring changing them all and the head gasket.  If you do replace the head gasket, you should use a light coating of hylomar spray.  It will prevent those irritating leaks.   

Reply #2September 13, 2018, 02:47:37 am

ORCoaster

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Re: Gasket Leaking....Re-torque Head bolts??
« Reply #2 on: September 13, 2018, 02:47:37 am »
I would give them a 1/4 but in the back of my head I would also be getting prepared for another head gasket job.  123,000 I think you got your wear and tear out of it.

Reply #3February 04, 2019, 12:57:39 pm

Broosse

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Gasket Leaking Re torque Head bolts
« Reply #3 on: February 04, 2019, 12:57:39 pm »
Hi Everybody,

My engine got recently skimmed, changed the head gasket as well as all the rubber seals/gasket?s plus the thermostat.

After mounting the engine back and running 250 Km do I need to re-torque the bolts ? 



Cheers

Reply #4February 04, 2019, 09:16:38 pm

ORCoaster

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Re: Gasket Leaking....Re-torque Head bolts??
« Reply #4 on: February 04, 2019, 09:16:38 pm »
Put another 1500 km on that engine then do the retorque of the head bolts.  Could be earlier if it is convenient to do so but you would be best getting 1750 km on it first.

If you don't you risk loosing all your hard work and time.  Why do that?  You will be surprised at how much more those bolts give on the second tightening.

 

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