Well, I am going to take the head off my motor tomorrow to check out why I am losing compression. Hopefully its just a head gasket. My question is, I already have ARP head studs. When I take the head off, do I need to take out the studs and recoat them with anything? Or can I leave them in the block and set the head back on with the new gasket? I know they need to be hand tight though. Any input? Thanks.

 

have you dont a compression and leakdown test yet? i would do that before pulling
the head off.

when reassembling, recoat thenuts with arp lube and torque to spec

 

Yeah, I posted something about my leakdown and my compression test a week or so ago. I didnt' get much input back. But in case you were wondering here were my results.

Compression Test
1=225, 2=212, 3=220, 4=225

after a bit of oil in cylinders:
1=235, 2=215, 3=230, 4=235

So all the cylinders went up by 10psi except number 2. which only went up by 3. I am guessing this is not a rings issue, and its either valves (bent, seals, seats) or headgasket.

My leakdown:
1=5%, slight air from crankcase, intake
2=12%, air from #1 and intake and crankcase
3=5%, slight air from crankcase, intake
4=7%, a little air from #3 and slight air from crankcase, intake

So, I'm pulling the head to confirm. I can't be down a car, and I just got my CTR cams in as well. I'm hoping its just a headgasket, but I'll find out tonight. Any input? Thanks

 

i hope you did both tests with the engine hot.

 

Yes I did. I just got done reassembling the motor. It is the valves that are having problems. Looks like I need a valve job. I filled the ports with carb cleaner and the exhaust side held fine. The intake side leaked on all cylinders, some worse than others. I can't afford to be without the car, so I put it all back together. I did get my CTR cam in, I'm waiting for the exhaust ot arrive, there was a mix up when I ordered. The cam feels real good, pulls a lot harder than before.

I think I'm going to go with ITR intake valves, Ti retainers, portflow inner valve springs and a normal valve job. The head has 65000 hard miles on it, probably at least half in vtec. So I guess it was just a matter of time. OH well, guess I'll be pulling the head off again when I get all my parts.