I am in the middle of replacing the HG in a 97 2.5L OBW for the second time. I did it the first time before I found this board and installed cheap NAPA head gaskets that only made it 10K miles before they failed. I want to do it correctly this time w/ OEM gaskets. Should I use the tightening procedure from my Haynes manual or is there something else you recommend ?

Are new bolts needed?

Any other words of wisdom you guys can think of that I am missing? Heads were faced last time and machine shop says they still are straight. Not for sure why the HG only made it 10K miles but I can see right on the gasket where it failed.

Thanks in advance for you help.

Ben

They failed because they were cheap aftermarket headgaskets. You

can use the tightening procedure from the haynes again. be sure to put oil on the threads of the headbolts. New ones are usually not needed.

<<Should I use the tightening procedure from my Haynes manual or is there something else you recommend ?>>

i've never used a haynes manual. post what the procedure the manual is telling you and i'll let you know if its right.