Head bolts

[marc69]

Is there anywhere where I can get hex headed bolts instead of star?

I am about to put a new head gasket on my SR, I have to wait a week for the gasket, went to buy bolts, only star ones available.

Years ago i did change the head on my 1.0 ohv and didn't realise I had to change bolts, put each bolt back into the hole it came from.

I could either fit the star ones or chance the original ones.......unless spomeone knows where new ones can be got?

[millworm]

most head bolts are etorx or star these days just go with them, I've never had any trouble with them

[Royston]

Don't reuse they are stretch bolts, use once then throw!

[Edd]

FAI hex ones on eBay

They rust quickly tho lol

[bazzap8389]

If you get stuck I reckon I could machine a hex onto one for you.

[meritlover]

If you get stuck I reckon I could machine a hex onto one for you.

i reckon you couldnt.

[bazzap8389]

^ and why not?

[meritlover]

Because if you look at one you will see there is not enough material on the TORX head that will allow for machining of a hex head large enough to apply suitable torque to provide sufficient gasket clamping force.

[bazzap8389]

Ah ok FairPlay about the clamping force :)

But I could machine a hex in one ;)

[meritlover]

But I could machine a hex in one ;)

yes very good. I could cut a slot in it for a screwdriver and that would be equally pointless

[bazzap8389]

Yawn

[meritlover]

Yawn:roll:

Anyway, more importantly... To benefit the OP.

what is your concern/hatred/fear with using TORX bolts? yes they dont match the age of the engine, but apart from that the only addition is to buy a socket for a couple of quid.

[marc69]

I have the socket etc, just vanity, to keep it original looking!

I saw a set on the bay but they are just in a bag, no box etc so not sure about that one, I'll see if I can get a link........

Here we go hopefully http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Set-Head-Bolts-Vauxhall-Cavalier-Astra-Nova-/310380002971?_trksid=p5197.m1992&_trkparms=aid%3D111000%26algo%3DREC.CURRENT%26ao%3 D1%26asc%3D14%26meid%3D7818389223970474059%26pid%3 D100015%26prg%3D1006%26rk%3D1%26sd%3D310380002971% 26

[marc69]

Or, these look better, at least a proper make etc (think Edd mentioned them)

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VAUXHALL-ASTRA-CAVALIER-NOVA-CYL-HEAD-BOLTS-HEX-HEAD-/170615497018?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item27b979e13a

[marc69]

FAI hex ones on eBay

They rust quickly tho lol

How can they rust....inside the block?that would be deadly for the engine.........or were you joking?

I assume FAI is good enough as a make?

[mk1nova_rich]

FAI are OE quality if I remember rightly

[Edd]

How can they rust....inside the block?that would be deadly for the engine.........or were you joking?

I assume FAI is good enough as a make?

The heads rust

http://i499.photobucket.com/albums/rr359/EDDRODGERS/DSC_0005.jpg (http://s499.photobucket.com/user/EDDRODGERS/media/DSC_0005.jpg.html)

i bought a few sets, probably paint the heads the next time i use a set

[therealnovaboy]

Autosave in aberdeen used to do FAI. give them a phone there is one on the lang stracht and BOD. Failing that try autoparts in inverurie. I think they do FAI.

[meritlover]

the old hex types have been superseded by the TORX heads. It will be pot-luck whether or not you get a box as 'old stock' trying various motor factors will likely reward you with the prize of some ye-olde bolts. Im pretty sure parts departments have better things to do than open boxes just to check the heads, so you might have more luck if you go around in person.
there are few other options. Stick to brand bolts to avoid sadness in the near future.

[MK999]

FAI are OE quality if I remember rightly

Debatable! :p

[marc69]

The heads rust

http://i499.photobucket.com/albums/rr359/EDDRODGERS/DSC_0005.jpg (http://s499.photobucket.com/user/EDDRODGERS/media/DSC_0005.jpg.html)

i bought a few sets, probably paint the heads the next time i use a set

I see what you mean, I'll paint them, but if they do the job, sounds fine, thanks.

[marc69]

Thanks for the replies/advice, just bought a set of FAI for a 1.3S.

Today when I ordered the gasket it was also for a 1.3S, no listing at all for 1.3SB so assume it's the same stuff.

One thing I have noticed in the last 12 months, getting Nova bits ffrom factors is getting more difficult, rarely straight off the shelf any longer, i seem to always have to order them-a pain. Took over a week for the short handbrake cable for the 1993 Nova.

Well once the gasket arrives (probably a week) the fun starts (this had better be where the water is going!!!)

[meritlover]

it cant be going very far. Going by the pressurised header tank issues you have, its almost certain.

[marc69]

it cant be going very far. Going by the pressurised header tank issues you have, its almost certain.

I guess you wiser (I didn't say older) folk will be right lol

[meritlover]

Its a very simple job but if you need help with the gasket change i will talk you though it.

[marc69]

Its a very simple job but if you need help with the gasket change i will talk you though it.

Thanks, it will probably be the weekend after next, if I get stuck I will post for help but hopefully with the advice form here and Haynes it should be ok. All being well I might enjoy driving the SR then.

[meritlover]

an SR is always a joy to drive.
one piece of advice is to lift the head off by the manifold and not the cam cover, or it slips out the dowels and spills rockers and followers everywhere.

follow the haynes and you will not go wrong unless you either forget to follow the haynes, or do something wrong.

[therealnovaboy]

[QUOTE=marc69;2159327]One thing I have noticed in the last 12 months, getting Nova bits from factors is getting more difficult, rarely straight off the shelf any longer, QUOTE]

Ive noticed this too. I have started to just order things to hang up on the garage wall. You cant go wrong with having a top and bottom gasket set, bolts, timing belt sitting in a cupboard.

On the other hand you can always get parts on the net and arrive within 3 days. if you plan ahead its not too bad.

If you fail to plan your planing to fail

[meritlover]

..... I have started to just order things to hang up on the garage wall. You cant go wrong with having a top and bottom gasket set, bolts, timing belt sitting in a cupboard.



so do you hang them on the wall or put them in the cupboard? i'm confused O_o. does it say to do this in the Haynes?

[marc69]

so do you hang them on the wall or put them in the cupboard? i'm confused O_o. does it say to do this in the Haynes?

lol

[therealnovaboy]

Put them in a wall or hang them on a cupboard.

[marc69]

Yes, I should have just ordered the gasket off ebay, would be quicker, same with the 1993 handbrake cable.

failed MOT on it, factor said they'd be 4 days, went twice to collect it, first time it hadn't arrived in the delivery it should have, then 2nd time it was the wrong cable, car sat up on axle stands for over a week doing nothing. (although I did put a thin coat of wax on it) Ebay would have been three dyas and probably cheaper.

A year ago, I could turn up and ask for points/condensors and so on, no problems.....suppose it's demand and supply.

[Iain]

Stop being weird and just fit some torx bolts lol

[mk1nova_rich]

Its hardly economical for a motor factors to stock shelves and shelves of Nova parts lol they're not exactly in high demand any more. The only parts still easy to get at a motor factors are parts shared with the Corsa B

[marc69]

Its hardly economical for a motor factors to stock shelves and shelves of Nova parts lol they're not exactly in high demand any more. The only parts still easy to get at a motor factors are parts shared with the Corsa B

Exactly

[meritlover]

Its hardly economical for a motor factors to stock shelves and shelves of Nova parts lol they're not exactly in high demand any more. The only parts still easy to get at a motor factors are parts shared with the Corsa B
This sad fact of life makes me shed tears of sadness. :( :( :(

[marc69]

Just to be sure before I start (when the gasket finally arrives........) the bolts arrived today, they were advertised as FAI but they are in a box marked CAMTEC. Is this the same company or if not, the same quality? If anyone has heard of them,

Thanks

[meritlover]

Never heard of them. it is unlikely you will have issues though.

[marc69]

well the gasket finally arrived, its hg169. It doesn't say nova or corsa a, it says ascona but hopefully the same fit?

Anyway, i should do it this weekend but, after topping up the water last weekend the car has done 145 miles and not lost a drop...typical now I have all the bits lol

[EwanG]

If it aint broke dont fix it lol. This might be a pikey way but radweld do a super dooper radweld that will fix any kind of coolant leak including headgasket and gets great reviews. It can be bought on fleabay (alot cheaper than halfords). If I were you I would run it for a bit more and see what happens. :thumb:

[marc69]

If it aint broke dont fix it lol. This might be a pikey way but radweld do a super dooper radweld that will fix any kind of coolant leak including headgasket and gets great reviews. It can be bought on fleabay (alot cheaper than halfords). If I were you I would run it for a bit more and see what happens. :thumb:

Yes, if it loses no more water I'm not opening it up! Seems a bit odd, I was losing 500ml every 100 miles or so....we will see.