About to pull the head of a CA18 - and noticed the headbolts require an Allen key...10mm I believe.

Now my socket set doesn't include a Allen key bit.

I imagine I'll be able to take the head bolts out - but how to get them back in an re-torqued.

From someone who's done it before and has the benefit of hindsight...what's the best way to get this job done?

I saw this at NissnSilvia
http://www.nissansilvia.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=14997&hl=head+gasket+ca18

and this (nice pics)
http://www.davidrawlinson.org.uk/car/head_gasket_change.html?15

But they don't say what they used to reinstall head bolts.

they make sockets with allen key bits on the end. have you thought of purchasing one?

Well I hadn't till now.....wasn't required for the A series.

Just thought I'd see if anyone has thought of a smart work around - if not I'll bite the bullet and buy one tomorrow.

get a 10mm allen key, cut off an inch
then use a 10mm socket...

If your going to remove your headbolts its a good idea to replace them they are pretty cheap ajusa?? make them.
I have just fitted ARP studs to mine . They are a prick to fit and torqued up had to machine down a 1/2inch extra long socket so i could get it on
A 10mm hex should be easy and cheap to buy the 1/2inch extra long socket only cost me $12 all my tools are metric as most datsun stuff is the threads are metric but takes 1/2 inch socket??
Good luck with it

^ haha andrew i can relate, i just bolted my head down last week with the ARP studs and WHAT A PRICK!!! half inch multihex didnt fit down the hole, had to buy a 3/8 multihex socket in 1/2 inch and that fouled on the tops of the studs so went back again and got the same 3/8 socket but in deep. NEVER again i say.

When i took the stock bolts out i had to use a 3/8 10mm hex bit i bought from my local total tools for like 6 bucks... worked a treat.

Hayden

Downloaded the 2007 Kincrome Catalouge got mesmerised for a couple of hours....but found the part number for:

13626M: 8 pce metric hexagon socket set 5, 6, 8, 10, 11, 12, 14, 17mm

or HS10M 10mm hexagon socket

all 1/2" drive - which works for me with a 1/2" torque wrench.

I guess the ARP stuff was hard as the socket had to get down the stud to the nut on the head and no socket was deep enough?

I bought an allen key socket set from Bunnings for $40 or $50 which worked a treat.
Matty

You can buy the single allen socket from autobarn or similar. they wanted about 16 bucks 4 it

Took the advice and went and spent $50 on a set.



All too easy then