Thread: Head bolts letting go after 150 kms?

I've once had ACL disallow a claim for head gasket failure with the explanation: "Loss of head bolt tension " so I suspect it's a common dodge to get out of liability. As you can't control the installation I would recommend you insist he sends you the bolts back for testing. If nothing else you can easily measure their free length against unused ones. Stretch bolts should always be fitted by angle torque methods.

Also ask for the engine km travelled as anything over 250,000km is likely to be past a simple head gasket fix. Ask which cylinder numbers are getting coolant as if its the middle two on each side then the block is likely stuffed. I'm getting sick of seeing 3.9s with stuffed blocks turning up here (8 out of 10 at least) , it's all too common in their old age. Quite frankly one decent overheat and the liners come loose when the blocks crack, and all subsequent engine work is wasted.

The retorque is strictly not required, even when using the bolts as torque settings only. FWIW we use all Elring or OEM head bolt sets on the Rover V8, and don't use the torque to yield (Angle torque) method as I am concerned about block cracking. The early 3.5 V8 torque settings of 95Nm are what we have used for at least the last 10 years, on all the models even the later engines with the 3rd row of bolts deleted. NOT once have we had a failure of any sort, except when using ACL composite gaskets I had an external leak very early on, from then on Elring composites and since then no issues.

I suggest like mentioned above that the head bolts be sent to you to be tested by an accredited lab for UTS testing. Then and only then can the cause of actual failure be established.

JC

Justin, the so called mechanic asked me if the head bolts fitted a 3.9 v8 10 bolt, which I answered yes they do.
He installed them not as a torque to yield and fitted them the other way, now is trying to blame me for his mechanical efforts. This messages have been rude and blunt.
I just hope he isn't a forum member here. Because a few of us do business together
I will fix up any stuff up when it's my fault, I always stand by excellent customer service and any one that has purchased from us will know that we do.
I would have been more than happy to of replaced the bolts at my expense as a good will gesture, but it would have been nice if he informed me there was a problem and how could we sort it out.Biut to get on the defensive on 1st contact ruffled my feathers.
I have replaced a starter motor once from a customer interstate, at my expense and good will, only to find that it was not bolted correctly and broke it on start up (broke the casing).

I think I'm going to be like every one else, send the part back first, stuff you if your undrivable, inspect it and make them wait.

Most people are honest and trustworthy, I got stung a couple of times, but this just got my blood boiling today. You often think is it worth the stress
Rant over
Mario

Originally Posted by Roverlord off road spares

Justin, the so called mechanic asked me if the head bolts fitted a 3.9 v8 10 bolt, which I answered yes they do.
He installed them not as a torque to yield and fitted them the other way, now is trying to blame me for his mechanical efforts. This messages have been rude and blunt.
I just hope he isn't a forum member here. Because a few of us do business together
I will fix up any stuff up when it's my fault, I always stand by excellent customer service and any one that has purchased from us will know that we do.
I would have been more than happy to of replaced the bolts at my expense as a good will gesture, but it would have been nice if he informed me there was a problem and how could we sort it out.Biut to get on the defensive on 1st contact ruffled my feathers.
I have replaced a starter motor once from a customer interstate, at my expense and good will, only to find that it was not bolted correctly and broke it on start up (broke the casing).

I think I'm going to be like every one else, send the part back first, stuff you if your undrivable, inspect it and make them wait.

Most people are honest and trustworthy, I got stung a couple of times, but this just got my blood boiling today. You often think is it worth the stress
Rant over
Mario

Hi Mario, that is the way we do it on 10 bolt engines, we use early head tension figures and NOT the late angle torque procedure.

My guess is either ALL the bolts are of insufficient tensility (Highly unlikely), hence my suggestion to get them lab tested, or they have made a fitting error.

JC

first he needs to supply the certificate of accuracy of the torque wrench AND the angle guide he used to fit them then he needs to provide those tools for independant checking.

then he needs to provide the bolts block and head for inspection so that they can be tested for deformation and wear

you dont generally retorque torque to yeild bolts.

I call bullsnot, hes screwed up and hasnt done the work properly.

Mario, I agree with Dave. I'll even suggest the block threads were not cleaned out causing the head bolts to bottom and restricting the head clamping force.

Wouldn't be the first time such workmanship (sic) called a foot fault on a part.

Pete

I just got a message again for him.I have reported him to eBay.
But it seems you have to take these mechanic hands and show them how to fit things or give explanations on how to fit each and every part.
(I have removed the reference to certain body parts)
And he actually bought them off ebay.
I am needing a stiff drink I think,
It's come from wanting his money back or replacement bolts to now his whole engine is destroyed.
Anyone want to buy a parts business?

Dear roverlordoffroadspares,

No ********, you could have said they were a torque to yield bolt or you could have said that torque to yield bolts are the only type you stock. but no.... because your a greedy **** you said nothing.. Oh that's right blame the customer. I asked for a product you thought you could provide, but you couldn't, which has now cost me a $5000 engine. Thank's ****! I will buy lots off you in order to leave negative feedback, not because I'am upset that you ****** up it's because ebay is supposed to be a site that you can trust and expect what you pay for. You should not be allowed to trade on here!

Thankyou!

- *******

I hope this is not too far off subject. I am in the process of replacing my timing belt (co-incidentally) supplied by Roverlord. I notice that the torque on the crankshaft Pulley nut is xnm +90 degree extra turn, does this mean it is a TTY bolt and as such I should be using a new one, as presumedly, it has already been stretched by having been used once??.
Thanks
Pete.