So I re-torqued my head yesterday, and the LAST bolt in the sequence felt like it was stretching. I couldn't get more than 110 pounds on it. (Yeah it backed off that much!) I replaced it with a "good used" bolt that was within length tolerance and rang well when dropped. Same deal. Found one more, same deal. No more than 110 pounds. Both bolts stretched about .020-.030, and didn't ring as well when I dropped them on the concrete. I picked out the longest bolt I had and torqued it to 100, and it felt like it was stretching, so I left it, and I am driving the truck. I am hoping to call a dealer tomorrow to get a head bolt from. Can I replace them all one at a time without destroying the head gasket? Really considering ARP studs after my troubles. Can those be re-used?

 

this might be a stupid comment... oh well, its the first thing that came to my mind.... but is the bottom of that hole clean and not filled with oil or anything? i worry about that because you cant compress liquid.

 

Yes you can do one at a time, and like JBrad said make sure the hole is clean if you havn't already

 

There could very well be some oil in the bottom of the hole. Especially if it's one that goes through the rocker pedestal. Clean out those holes as best you can. Spray some brake clean or whatever cleaner you prefer down in there and either vacuum it out or use a blow gun on a compressor and wrap a rag around it to catch and prevent and fluid/junk from going elsewhere.

 

That is a great idea. We put oil on the bolts to make sure they go in with the least amount of resistance possible. After putting 3 more oil-soaked bolts in there might be way too much in there. Thanks Justin!

 

If the bolt was trying to compress oil, or bottomed out, it could be twisted, but not stretched.

 

It wouldnt actually stretch, it would be deformed. The shank would be twisting/deforming while lengthening the bolt.

 

I will have to check into it this weekend when I get back home. In the mean time, I will be driving it.

 

Good luck Randy, hope you don't hurt her.