will re-torqueing my head bolts help with a coolant leak near the front right side, between the exhaust manifold and the thermostat housing. It leaks about a gallon every 500 miles, driving empty, more if I'm pulling my toy hauler. Or should I just replace the head gasket. The motor has about 245000 miles. Do I need head studs? I only boost about 32 psi max.

Thanks,
Joe

 

That's a pretty good leak, I doubt re-torqueing the bolts will do much good. You could try though, not much too loose besides more coolant.

Studs are nice if they're in your budget, but lots of power has been made off stock head bolts. If you plan on doing twins/big single and injectors then I'd say it's stupid not to do studs, otherwise only if you can swing the cost.

 

thanks

I'm going on a cross country trip in 6 weeks. I probably should just do the head gasket. I'm plenty happy with the power it has, so I think I'll just stay with head bolts.

 

with that many miles ,i would change the gasket. it will need it any way pretty soon....i did mine at about the same miles and now i don't worry

 

You would be lucky to squish the gasket enough to seal that leak.

It's time for a new HG I'm thinking, also. Factory bolts should be adequate at your current power level and would be cheap insurance.