Is it possible to prevent it by torquing down the head gasket bolts ahead of time?
2006-09-30 19:42:30 · 4 answers · asked by grandview55 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
That wouldn't help.
BTW, I had over 100K on mine when I sold it.
2006-09-30 19:49:58 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The idea of re-torquing bolts is only successful immediately after placing the heads on and running for just a few minutes. After even 200 miles, it doesn't help.
Unfortunately, the only way to stop the process is to not drive it.
Not ALL 3.8s do that. It is a pattern failure, but not a universal failure. Many have come through the shop doors that have more than 160K and there is no failure at all.
But as the saying goes to "...be fore-warned is fore-armed". Just keep an eye on it, and watch the oil.
Good Luck
2006-09-30 20:00:33 · answer #2 · answered by Ironhand 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you should torque the head bolt every 20 thousand miles.
2006-09-30 19:52:31 · answer #3 · answered by Hannah's Grandpa 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If it's a 3.8 liter engine, they are prone to go, at least in the mid 90's models.
It may never go, but I would dump it.
2006-09-30 20:02:49 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋