ARP Head Bolt Washers
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 3,558
Likes: 4
From: Oakland California
ARP Head Bolt Washers
Hey guys,
So I've been working on my LQ4 for my Vette. I got to installing the heads on it last night, but didn't realize/remember until this morning that the ARP head bolt washers have to be installed a certain direction.
I was thinking about taking each head bolt out one by one to check them.
What do you guys suggest?
I haven't started the engine or anything.
Thank in advance!
So I've been working on my LQ4 for my Vette. I got to installing the heads on it last night, but didn't realize/remember until this morning that the ARP head bolt washers have to be installed a certain direction.
I was thinking about taking each head bolt out one by one to check them.
What do you guys suggest?
I haven't started the engine or anything.
Thank in advance!
Limping across the line
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 5,299
Likes: 109
From: Peoria Az
Try looking at the headbolt where it meets the washer.
If the chamfer isn't up against the head you'll probably see a slight gap between the washer and bolt.
The bolt has a radius where the head meets the shank of the bolt. The chamfer allows the washer to sit up tight against the head.
If the chamfer isn't up against the head you'll probably see a slight gap between the washer and bolt.
The bolt has a radius where the head meets the shank of the bolt. The chamfer allows the washer to sit up tight against the head.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,632
Likes: 112
From: Great Plains Iowa
I have been building performance engines for almost 50 years and I would say YES you can use the head gaskets again. If a washer was put in upside down I would think the clamping pressure of the bolt would have crushed the sharp edge of the washer against the radius of the bolt; leaving no visible gap. But as the engine is still on the engine stand I'd buzz the bolts out and check the orientation of the washers just for the sake of knowing. Even if the sharp edge left a little ring on the radius I see no reason why they can't be used as is because the bolts are so ungodly strong.
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Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,114
From: Crossville TN
There would be nothing wrong with removing them one at a time, checking the washer situation and installing them correctly. But, do not fully tighten those bolts when they are reinserted. Only tighten them to about 5-10 foot pounds to hold everything in place as it was.
Once the entire head has been done, retorque all the bolts in the manner required by the head manufacturer and/or ARP.
Once the entire head has been done, retorque all the bolts in the manner required by the head manufacturer and/or ARP.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
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From: Corsicana, Tx
2020 C2 of the Year - Modified Winner
2020 Corvette of the Year (performance mods)
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What he said......
JIM
PS- Just for clarification...the chamfer goes UP towards the head of the bolt...not down against the head.The chamfer clears the radius of the shank where it meets the head of the bolt.
Last edited by 427Hotrod; Jun 18, 2015 at 01:09 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 19,445
Likes: 353
From: Athens GA
St. Jude Donor '12-'13, '15- '16-'17-'18-'19, '21
There would be nothing wrong with removing them one at a time, checking the washer situation and installing them correctly. But, do not fully tighten those bolts when they are reinserted. Only tighten them to about 5-10 foot pounds to hold everything in place as it was.
Once the entire head has been done, retorque all the bolts in the manner required by the head manufacturer and/or ARP.
Once the entire head has been done, retorque all the bolts in the manner required by the head manufacturer and/or ARP.
Bman
