| Re: Northstar head gasket repair in SW Ontario - cheap! My method of repairing the head gaskets eliminates time-serts and helicoils altogether. It's stronger, more durable, and less likely to crack the block. I upgrade from the 7/16" factory head bolts to 1/2" (using custom machined bolts that have a tensile strength exceeding 180,000psi) and 13 threads/inch which is coarser than the factory threads. I remove very little material from the block itself to do this, and machine out the cylinder heads to accept the thicker bolts. I am currently in the process of developing a do-it-yourself kit for this particular method. --ONLY WORKS WITH ENGINES THAT HAVE NEVER HAD TIME-SERTS BEFORE-- (and most have not). I use loc-tite permanent strength thread locker on the bolts and FEL-PRO gaskets, and warranty the repair for 30,000 kms (18,600 miles) or 12 months, although I believe if the cooling system is properly maintained, this repair will last the life of the car |