lost 1 of my short bolts for the head. can a grade 8 bolt be used in place of the head bolt.

thanks

Kenny  Onalaska, Texas

found a solution. short bolt out of a 302 is only 5/32 longer.

Kenny  Onalaska, Texas

I have found a variety of odd bolts used on Fords. Grade 4 head bolts. Grade 6. Stuff I've never seen before.



As often as I can, I try to use stock bolts in their stock locations. I think more trouble in y-block Fords starts with bolts than any other source of trouble; loose main caps, leaking head gaskets, broken blocks, seeping oil and coolant.

Best regards,



Paul Menten

Meridian, Idaho

A good source of Grade 8 hardware is your local caterpillar dealer, i used all Cat bolts throughout my chassis rebuild and what wasn't ARP in the engine was Caterpillar, they came in both phosphate and oil coated and zinc dichromate coatings.

1957 ________________ Ford

\___((_______________))___/

(@)________V__________(@)

[________I_____I_________]

__[__]__ o_______o___[__]___



Y Blocks, The New Flathead!

You know, we are so acustomed to using ARP that we forget, ARP bolts weren't around back in the day.  None of our engines came with ARP, and they worked just fine.

Sure, you can use another brand or style.  I have used socket-head cap screws.  They work just fine as long as you get the proper grade bolt.

I learned a huge lesson dealing with aluminum heads, and galvanic reaction.  USE STEEL WASHERS.  I have never seen a washer used on iron heads.  But on my 351W w/Edelbrock heads, I broke two sockets trying to take 1/2" ARP bolts OFF!  One was a Snap-on impact 6-pt. 9/16" deep socket (it rounded-out), the other was a Craftsman (it split).  My torque wrench was clackin' at 150 ft/lbs.  I put all the bolts in a baggie and sent them to ARP.  They replaced the 20 bolts with a free set, which included hardened washers.  I know I tightened to 100ft/lbs., 15 years ago.  That set didn't have washers.

Moly lube on re-chased threads are a must.  Be real careful you don't bottom your bolts.  The head will be loose, and impossible to remove (if you break one).  Hope this helps.  - Dave

Royal Oak, Michigan (Four miles north of Detroit, and 12 miles NORTH of Windsor, Canada).  That's right, we're north of Canada.

Ford 292 Y-Block major overhaul by simplyconnected