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Johnny Mullet · 08-30-2009, 01:39 PM

I opted against cutting the grooves in the head. I just wanted to get the car running and did not want any issues. I did learn a valuable lesson! Never re-use head bolts! I had no idea there would be any problems re-using them since I did on my 1998. So after torquing the used bolts here is what happened............

I spent a few hours with a small, sharp chisel and a hammer threading these 2 broken studs out, but luckily I did not have to drill! I had 2 new sets of head bolts to use. I have a set from 3Tech and another regular set. I forgot my 8MM, so I had to use the regular head bolts. I guess you get stupid after a few beers

Anyway, I got it all together and she fired right up! Just like on my Metro, I had to adjust the 3Tech cam gear since I was a tooth off to start with. I could hear it ping on load. After setting the gear properly, I was able to advance the ignition timing to max. Here is the engine all together............

While the engine was running, I let the coolant burp while I replaced the front pads and rotors. These brakes must have been original equipment! What a royal pain in the ass it was trying to get these brakes cleaned up and working properly again. I called the wife who was at work and told her the exciting news! She said...........

"Took you long enough."

If she only knew what I went through with the broken head bolts!
Anyway, I figured a good test run would be the 20 minute ride to her work. I drove it up there and showed her the car. The car ran perfectly! She really liked the painted valve cover. I also had to get the official finishing touch on the windows...........

Now I have to repair the exhaust and then work on the body and frame.

Parts list...........

Felpro head gasket kit
3Tech Stainless exhaust valves
3Tech 10 degree advanced gear
Alternator belt
Front pads & rotors
Plugs, wires, cap, rotor
Oil & filter

Total parts cost so far = $320.00

Total investment so far = $770.00

I got a quote from a local paint shop for matching paint and it looks like by time I get the body work and exhaust work done, I will be under my $1000.00 budget.

08-30-2009, 01:39 PM	#13 (permalink)
Johnny Mullet Hi-Tech Redneck Join Date: May 2008 Location: Ashtabula, Ohio Posts: 1,436 Thanks: 6 Thanked 49 Times in 42 Posts	I opted against cutting the grooves in the head. I just wanted to get the car running and did not want any issues. I did learn a valuable lesson! Never re-use head bolts! I had no idea there would be any problems re-using them since I did on my 1998. So after torquing the used bolts here is what happened............ I spent a few hours with a small, sharp chisel and a hammer threading these 2 broken studs out, but luckily I did not have to drill! I had 2 new sets of head bolts to use. I have a set from 3Tech and another regular set. I forgot my 8MM, so I had to use the regular head bolts. I guess you get stupid after a few beers Anyway, I got it all together and she fired right up! Just like on my Metro, I had to adjust the 3Tech cam gear since I was a tooth off to start with. I could hear it ping on load. After setting the gear properly, I was able to advance the ignition timing to max. Here is the engine all together............ While the engine was running, I let the coolant burp while I replaced the front pads and rotors. These brakes must have been original equipment! What a royal pain in the ass it was trying to get these brakes cleaned up and working properly again. I called the wife who was at work and told her the exciting news! She said........... "Took you long enough." If she only knew what I went through with the broken head bolts! Anyway, I figured a good test run would be the 20 minute ride to her work. I drove it up there and showed her the car. The car ran perfectly! She really liked the painted valve cover. I also had to get the official finishing touch on the windows........... Now I have to repair the exhaust and then work on the body and frame. Parts list........... Felpro head gasket kit 3Tech Stainless exhaust valves 3Tech 10 degree advanced gear Alternator belt Front pads & rotors Plugs, wires, cap, rotor Oil & filter Total parts cost so far = $320.00 Total investment so far = $770.00 I got a quote from a local paint shop for matching paint and it looks like by time I get the body work and exhaust work done, I will be under my $1000.00 budget. __________________ GeoMetroforum.com - got mpg?