head bolts loose on 1990 5.9 cummins when purchased...
 

When i bought my truck, there was a oil leak between the head and block on the drivers side between cylinder 5 &6. It seemed to start up and run great. I was watching the valve covers and noticed that cylinder #4 valve cover was moving a-lot and so took it off to find the big bolt ( 18mm head) to be loose. I found this on all cylinders. I loosened all head bolts and re-tightened them to specs using the 3 step torque process. The truck doesnt run very well at all. It seems to chug now and idles very rough. The oil leak appears to have gone away, but not sure as i only let it run for a minute.

I drained the radiator before i started loosening the head bolts, I was thinking maybe some water got in the cylinders, causing it to run so poorly?

Any ideas?

i checked the valve adjustment and it was way too tight, after adjusting valves it runs great. I drove it around for a while today and the temp only got to 1/3 of the gauge. no oil in water/water in oil. I ran it up some hills and stepped on it when it was warmed up.

How long does a head gasket last when it was only torqued partially down? I have no idea how long it was like that? I bought it from a guy who said head gasket was blown, but it doesnt seem like it is?

Was anything done to the truck performance wise? Sounds like someone may have had head studs in it and took them out and put bolts back in to sale


Ready to be back in a truck