Freshly built block and head B-18C motor with ARP head studs. After 25 miles on the motor, I popped the hood and the head gasket is leaking oil all the way around pretty badly. Could it be because the head bolts aren't torqued to specs? The head was already resurfaced from the machine shop. If I re-torque the head, how much ft lbs of torque should I use? Is it necessary to replace the head gasket when re-torquing the head studs? It was a brand new head gasket and now it has 25 miles on it.

 

Has anyone ever experienced this problem and if so, do you have any advice.

 

My understanding any time you torque down any amount on a head gasket, it will need to be replaced. You have a freshly built motor, do not use an old gasket on the motor. Was the head gasket installed the right direction? I have seen it where they have been installed backwards and leaks. Not using the torque sequence and torque amount can cause this to happen too. Good luck.

 

are you sure it is the hg? check the oil and radiator to see if there is actually any mixing of between these two thing. it also might be the cam seal leaking too which may look like it is the hg.

 

HG upside down? It's very easy to do that. Also, Migs is right... if you put any pressure on it, you are to throw it away and not reuse it.

 

its also possible the head/block wasnt milled flat (assuming it was machined).

stock torque spec is 49lbs, but I believe the ARP are more than that and you probably have to torque them, loosen them, and then torque them again, using the proper sequence. I would give ARP a call to see what they recommend for those studs.

also make sure to check the cam caps, distributor o-ring, vtak solenoid to make sure they arent leaking. if they are leaking it drips down and makes it look like the head gasket is leaking.

 

also did u torque the studs in to the block with the allen key or did u just do it by hand cause the head might be lifting up then

 

i called arp twice one person said 65lbs the other said 70lbs. I'm pretty sure i put the head gasket on the right way. I will change the head gasket again and re torque to 65 lbs and see what happens.

 

should i use some copper spray? will this affect my breaking in process? like pistons rings seating improperly?

 

copper sray?

 

I tq my arp studs down to 80ft pounds.

used a bit of the copper spray as well, no leaks!

 

i just finish putting on my new head gasket. Wow 80ft lbs? I torque mine to 67lbs i think i will try 70lbs tomorrow. What will happen if i over torque the head bolts?

 

is there any way i can check to see if the block and head are leveled? can i use a feeler guage? The machine ship told me the head was resurfaced. Now i'm wondering if the head a block are flat. How can i know this?

 

Ive used copper spray before, never had a problem. but that was with a 2 layer gasket and high compression all motor setup.

I believe my AEBS studs are 80lbs.