50,000 miles ago I bought an 01 Civic D17 with a blown head gasket.
The shop took .009 off the head to true it up and it got a Felpro head gasket and new bolts.
It had ran perfectly and I drove it like a rented mule.
It runs over 30+ mpg in all weather and thanks to Joe, we need something with great mileage.
The lower radiator hose clamp rusted to dust and it started to leak a bit and I was a bit slow in finding this.
I fixed it but it was starting to heat occasionally. The head gasket soon went so I tore it down.
I found two front head bolts holding nothing and the gasket failed by the pulled head bolts.
The bolts had pulled the threads from the block.
I Helicoiled the two bad holes and used the triple the diameter length Helicoils for more hold.
Since I had plenty, and two holes already pulled, I Helicoiled the remaining 8 head bolt holes.
I sanded the head and block with 100 grit until it was perfect.
I used Blakeleen so there was no oil on the head or block.
I used the MLS head gasket and left it dry.
Bolt holes were clean and dry and blown out with air. Head bolts were very lightly oiled and a drop above the washer.
The head was torqued to 20, 30, 40 and finally 50 ft/lbs as per the procedure. (I know this is 1 ft/lb over torqued)
Is anyone aware of why the threads will let go in the block?
There must be someone out there smarter than me.