I'm 1st time poster. I had my Accord head gasket replaced by a local (and I believe reputable) shop. The head was milled, new head gasket and new bolts from Honda. After 19,000 miles it started to overheat again. I had the coolant tested and found that the head gasket was leaking again. I was going to fix it myself but first I thought I'd check the torque on the head bolts. I checked two and found one was OK (73 ft lb) but the other was about 50 ft lbs. I immediately went back to the mechanic and explained what had happened and the only thing he could suggest was that the Honda head bolt had stretched. I have changed out (2) Civic head gaskets and used new Honda head bolts and never had a problem. After some discussion I got him to agree to redo the head again for $675 including parts (gaskets, bolts, antifreeze, etc). I'm still convinced the head bolts weren't properly torqued and when the car comes back I will recheck it. Has anyone had a problem with properly torqued head bolts?

Dave

 

I am going to be doing a head swap on my F22, will let you know what happens. Hopefully I can reuse the bolts.

 

ive never had this problem with any of my head bolts from honda. and i have never bought new ones. i reuse them.

my only opinioon is maybe that bolt has a stripped location in the block? or maybe he installed a heli coil?

the list goes on.

id suggest investng in some arp!

 

Or the head bolts or block holes were dirty and the mechanic didn't bother cleaning them?

 

I could be wrong on this, but I believe the manual states that you have to re-torque the head bolts after 3-5 heating cycles for this very reason.

If this isn't the case, I would lean towards roader - even a little oil, dirt or grease can dramatically affect torque settings