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Just installed head gasket, can I unbolt and back on?
I just installed the head gasket with ARP studs. put the studs in with the allen key but not real tight as per the instructions.
I torqued down the head and noticed the middle stud sticks slightly more than the other ones.
I should have run a tap in the thread in the beginning but they all looked fine.
Measuring what protrudes, it sticks out one thread more than the original stretch bolts.
The question is: can I un-torque everything in the reverse sequence, run my tap and start again? Or will I need a new gasket?
I believe you need a new gasket. I almost did this, but while lubing the threads I notice #5 was not all the way in, and I got it all the way down. I must have checked 3 or four times after that.