Head gasket problems are inherent when different metals are used for the head and the block. This is because steel and aluminum expand and contract at different rates. That means that at times the clamping force of the bolts is greater than at other times - and at times it is significantly LESS than desired. Torque to yield bolts and special gasket composition go a long ways to offset this problem, but it is just a fact of life that head gaskets will fail at some time on this combination of metals. Torque to yield - also called "stretch" - bolts seem to help as they increase the clamping force applied. They are NOT re-usable - regardless of how many bubbas or Billy-bobs have gotten away with it. Once stretched to the yield point, they stay stretched. Re-stretching them will either break them or seriously weaken them. As to the sealer thing, take a look at the gaskets. They are made of a layered composition. The necessary sealant is included within the gasket. When you deviate from the manufacturer recommended procedures, you are in uncharted territory - unless you think you are smarter than a 50,000,000 dollar engineering department. As a general rule, "farmer fixes" are less than reliable on modern highly stressed engines. Look at the differences between an old John Deere tractor and a modern engine. Some of the old 2-cylinder JDs had over 500 cubic inches of displacement to make 35 or 40 horsepower. Your 3400 is about 215 cubic inches to make over 180 horsepower. The level of stress is the difference.
Given that you have had the heads resurfaced, and you use decent gaskets and new head bolts, you should be fine for another 100,000 miles if you put it together like the book says.
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Today's Featured Article - Fire in the Field A hay fire is no laughing matter-well, maybe one was! And a good life-lesson, too. Following World War II many farm boys returned home both older and wiser. One such man was my employer the summer I was sixteen. He was a farmer by birth and a farmer by choice, and like many returning soldiers, he was our silent hero: without medals or decorations, but with a certain ability to survive. It was on his farm that I learned to use the combination hand clutch and brake on a John D
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