Head condition

[Ray,IN]

Not true. Head bolts on a machine that old can be reused as often as you like. They don't stretch like new ones.

Whatever_, It's not my engine anyway. https://autotorque.in/when-to-replace-or-reuse-cylinder-head-bolts-a-practical-guide-february-2026

 

[Eman85]

If it was using water with a bad head gasket it's odd that one cylinder wasn't steam cleaned. Was it just seeping to the outside? Was the top of one piston very clean? Are you sure it's the head gasket?, did you find evidence?

 

[lodoc]

I pulled that rear valve and seen the crack in the seat and I guess I quit looking. Then see what I seen the second look. Hope no the head doesn’t turn out to be junk. The other 172 I’m working on goes to my rock crusher. If I have to I can put it on my tractor. The tractor is more important. I do have a third supposedly rebuildable 172 I can get a head from if needed. I’ll see what the machine shop has to say

You indicated 100 miles each way. It would be extra work but consider taking an extra head with you in the event there is an unrepairable crack.

 

[Bern]

Whatever_, It's not my engine anyway. https://autotorque.in/when-to-replace-or-reuse-cylinder-head-bolts-a-practical-guide-february-2026

The article agreed with me:

• Can I reuse cylinder head bolts on any engine? No. Only bolts that are not torque‑to‑yield and show no damage can be safely reused.