Date: Thu, 13 Mar 2003 20:45:15 GMT From: "Fred W." <Fred.Willsnopsamammyrealbox.com> Subject: Re: Loose cilinder head bolts a common problem?
"Mark Gerritsma" <nl.autonopsamtmfweb.nld> wrote in message news:v71oo8n8o72df6nopsam.supernews.com... > Last winter I had to refill some coolant on my '99 9-3 2.0 two times > because the level had gotten low. Recently I experienced the same > coolant loss problem again. Again it was below freezing outside. After > having refilled the coolant several times I decided to take look at > the engine compartment, while the engine was cold. To my horror I saw > coolant drops leaking through the head-gasket! I already had visions > of the bill for a gasket replacement. > > When I took the car to my garage I was told it could either be a > broken head gasket or the cilinder head bolts not being tightened > enough. Because of the huge difference in effort required I had them > retighten the cilinder head bolts and am pleased to report that I > haven't lost any coolant since. > > But are the loose bolts indeed a common problem with this engine like > they claims? And how come, that I experienced this problem after 186k > km and not sooner? I would be wary of that as a final fix. I imagine you are in for a head gaskey soon. Also, many head bolts are only supposed to be used one time. They actually stretch when you reach the correct torque and can not be retorqued. I am not sure if this applies to your car but you may want to investigate that before it is too late. -Fred
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
