bigredj87

1986 Extended Cab Pickup 22-re, blowing white smoke out the tailpipe, is it a head gasket issue or something else. We're pretty sure its the head gasket, so the other question is do we need to replace the head bolts with this install. I have heard from diffrent sources diffrent answers. I know about stretching head bolts with aluminum heads to maintain the pressure but I'm not sure if its a hundred bucks that has to be spent.

Thanks,

President of the Junky Toyota Club, Winchester, VA Inaugural Chapter (two members strong) (this is for the VP's truck.) -John

abecedarian

for the amount of 'security' you get, changing the head bolts to studs is a very wise choice.
even if you can't afford the studs, you should replace the head bolts.
and chase the threads into the block and remove any oil / debris you find.

My99

If you are using the original bolts, chances are they are pitted pretty badly and potentially weakened a bit. As Kirk said, you should do it if you can afford it. From what I've gathered from searching around on this website, our 22RE bolts however are not engineered to stretch as other headbolts are. Some people re-use successfully.

bigredj87

Nice Signature Murphy is a devious little fellow (or Force not sure which one). Could you explain what you mean by changing the bolts to studs? It is my understanding from the fsm that there is already head studs present along with ten head bolts.

bigredj87

the truck is still a baby with only 160K miles on it so I'm thinking the bolts are in good shape, just wasn't sure about the stretching part. Anybody else got some info? also my searching didn't yield any answers to this question.

thook

No, there are no head studs.....not like what Abe is referring. Run a search on ARP studs for more info on that.

I understand the security issue a lot of people are concerned with, but I've reused my head bolts so far without issue. The threads were in great shape, so I just cleaned them up as well as the bolt holes in the block. Everything tightened smoothly. I've also talked to a number of people who've reused them in many cases without issue. It just depend on the condition of the threads and whether or not any have stretched or show signs of fatigue.

But, hey.....they aren't expensive, so if you feel better about doing it, it's still a good decision.

BTW, sorry to contradict. It ain't personal.

abecedarian

the suggestion of changing from head bolts to studs is made because of the simple fact that bolts must pass through the head and into the block, where, in the block, oil and other contaminants can accumulate and prevent the head bolts from acheiving the proper torque.
clearing the block passages and using studs means that the stud is already fully seated in the block and any torque applied by the 'nuts' in the head do not waste any torque to seat the threads in the block and fully apply the torque to the head.
not sure if it makes sense, but maybe?

abecedarian

You did change pajamas, right?

thook

Run a google search on head bolts, reusing them, and torqe-to-yield head bolts. Shouldn't take you more than an hour to get fairly well informed. That should answer your questions well.

thook

Good posting.

This is why I would've love to use studs, but alas I was on a budget...

thook

Not really sure if I should be discussing the state of my pj's with you, guy. Besides....it's more fun to keep ya guessing!

abecedarian

@thook-
but I heard you like studs instead of bolts....

bigredj87

well i understand stretch to yield head bolts and know i understand what you mean by changing to studs. I just wanted to know if 22-re head bolts were stretch to yield it seems they are not. a full rebuild is insight for the head, and of course all of the bolts will all be throughly. don't let my number of posts fool you i've been a member for two years and do my research before I post.

abecedarian

@bigredj87-
as far as I know, 22re head bolts are not torque-to-yield and can safely be reused once... maybe twice...
if the threads in the block are carefully cleaned of any debris or contaminants that could prevent the bolts from acheiving the correct torque.

ovrrdrive

The 22RE bolts are not TTY and are perfectly safe to be reused assuming they're in good shape.

bigredj87

Thanks alot!! those are the answers we need here in the Junky Toyota Club, Winchester, VA Inaugural Chapter. Nothing like being safe and cheap. Thanks for the help, when we need it you guys are there.

thook

Yep...there's good info all over this website.

Here's some more....
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f116...e-they-140192/

Mt. Goat posted engnbldr's guide to head bolt installation in this thread.