Rocker arm bolt torque

2004 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX
105,000 MILES • 3.8L • V6 • TURBO • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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ALAN POSEY
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The car listed above is a Gtp SC 3800. I just replaced head gaskets on this car and i used new head bolts but i couldn't find any new rocker arm bolts. I was told by many people that i could reuse the old bolts if i cleaned them with wire brush and apply assembly lube to the threads and torque to 11 ft pounds and they would be fine, so that's what i did, but i'm worried about the bolts backing out later on because when i torqued them they didn't tight up much past hand tight. That seems too loose to me, and i was told not to use thread lock, not even removable thread lock. Any info would be appreciated.
Mar 10, 2021 at 3:40 PM
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STEVE W.
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Well, you had half of the torque value and wrong info on the lube. You should use new bolts because these are a stretch type bolt but that's your choice. Then you clean the threads and be sure they are oil free. Then each one gets a dab of High Temperature Red threadlocker GM # 12345493 or Permatex 27200.
Not high strength high temperature red as it's different. You want only the high temperature product.
Next you torque each one to 11 ft lb. Then each gets 90 degrees additional torque.

Because you applied lube you are going to need to remove all of that first. brake clean will do that if you can use cotton swabs first to get most of it out.
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Mar 10, 2021 at 4:32 PM
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ALAN POSEY
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Thank you sir!
Mar 10, 2021 at 4:56 PM
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STEVE W.
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You are welcome. Please return anytime with your automotive questions.
Mar 10, 2021 at 5:54 PM
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ALAN POSEY
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Working on the same car listed above. I am finished with head gasket and replacing radiator, car is running great now, but previously i had replaced all four brake calipers, and had bled all four calipers and got all fluid and no air and i assumed i had brakes so i pursued replacing head gaskets and radiator. Now the car is back running i realized i still don't have brakes. I have been reading that there is a bleeder screw on the ABS module but i can't find one anywhere.. how do I need to bleed the brakes on this car?
Mar 13, 2021 at 11:09 AM
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STEVE W.
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See other reply please.
Mar 13, 2021 at 8:25 PM