new here and worried

[knothead69]

Hey out there, I just replaced my first head last night and realized this morning that I didn't put sealer on the bolts that run through the water passages. On top of that I'm sure I over torqued the bolts. I know, I know, not good. Can I get new bolts and seal them and still use the same gasket? The engine has not been ran but it has been sitting for about 9 hrs. Thanks!

Oh ya, '02 Yukon, 5.3 SLT Flex

 

[SlowD]

Shit happens, its a learning experience!
From 20 years personal experience if you followed the torque pattern and sequence your gasket and head should be fine as long as you did not go too crazy with the torque.
Pull the bolts back out in sequence, get all new bolts and add some sealant to the water jacket bolts and install.

Be sure when you pull the bolts out you do it in sequence as a safety measure to not warp your head.

You should be fine if you follow those directions and good luck.

 

[knothead69]

Definition

THANK YOU for answering. I've been concerned about it all morning. Waiting to do anything until I gathered more info. Can you please do me a favor and Define "Too Crazy With The Torque?" I didn't have a torque angle gauge so was just guessing on the degrees. All the bolts turned relatively easy so I don't think I went more than 15 to 20, (at the most I'd say another 30, but I know they aren't all the same )degrees past the required amount each step. Following the specs. I went and purchased new bolts and I do have another gasket but I was/am dreading pulling it out again and having to explain to my son that we need end up fighting (again) trying to wrestle the head back in. THANK YOU again!

 

[SlowD]

I definitely would not do any engine work without a torque wrench especially on critical parts such as a head gasket.
I believe you can rent one from Autozone but it would be worth while to purchase one.
Crazy torque would be to the point where you are straining to get the bolt to turn any more. It doesnt sound like you even came close to that so you will be alright.
Leave the gasket in place, get a torque wrench, install the new bolts and torque down and you will be good to go.

 

[knothead69]

You're right, not even close to that. like I said, I could have kept tightening easily. Now when I take out the bolts, should I take them out collectively in sequence, seal new bolts, replace, torque, or should I take them out one at a time in sequence, seal new bolt, replace, torque, next bolt? I've got a torque wrench but now I've purchased the gauge as well. Autozone is the only place in town that carried one.

 

[SlowD]

Take them all out in sequence and then start to install the new bolts after all the old ones are out.
Good luck