Repair Cadillac Northstar Head Gaskets WITHOUT Inserts!

[@gmguy111]

agravated you would share this video and not share how to get the bolts

[@ArthurSchhoefeld]

I really appreciate someone who doesn't make an issue over tapping holes. The way they talked as it was a major ordeal.

[@mdinmil]

I have not tried this fix and cannot speak to its longevity. But, as far as finding the M12 x 1.5 head bolts to do the work, here is an idea. According to the Cadillac service bulletin #04-06-01-032, the 2000-2003 Northstar engines' head bolts are M11 x 1.5 with an overall length of 157.2mm and a thread length of 38mm. The head bolts to the 2010 VW Touareg and the 2010 Audi Q7 are M12 x 1.5 with an overall length of 159mm. The Saturn Vue V6 3.5L head bolts are M12 x 1.5 with an overall length of 161mm. I do not know the thread length of these bolts. Assuming the thread depth of the holes in the block are a bit longer than the bolts, the lengths of these bolts might work. The thread length of the M12 bolts could also be modified with a die if necessary. Both alternate bolts are designed as TTY.

[@majorhoonage9161]

Northstar performance head studs is 100% the way to go for bulletproofing

[@CoreMaster111]

If I didn't have to remove the engine from the car then I'd go with head studs but I don't have an option so NS300 inserts it is.

[@jamesbrettwhite7821]

Thanks for sharing

[@JaysonHayes-on6bh]

NS300L is much better. You retain the benefits of TTY bolts plasticity while getting the same anchor thread as the sure grip system. They both use 5/8x11 threads. I would add that the NS300L system does not require removal of the engine as well.

[@irredeemabledeplorable5227]

Having spoken to ARP about a similar issue on an outboard, I would use that technique and install STUDS of that size, thus getting the cost/time saving of the 12mm solution AND the torque advantage of studs. Glad I saw this.....my Aurora (and I) thank you.

[@dskebo]

Why didn't I think of this? Sir this is just short of genius, So simple and better than factory.

[@Alex-oo8qp]

For those of you wondering, the original bolt for the Northstar, at least for a 1997 Seville, is m11x1.5x140mm. The replacement ones on RockAuto have this dimension. I'm not sure how long the thread length is, but it should say on RockAuto. There are head bolts with the same threading and length, but with different thread length and the M12 diameter that you can get for a Porsche Cayenne. I don't know if these would work, but I'm looking into it for myself.

[@mdinmil]

did the Porch Cayenne bolts work?

[@Alex-oo8qp]

@@mdinmil I didn't end up doing it. If you don't have the resources or time, it's probably better to just buy a LeSabre or something. I wish I had a better response, but I started tearing apart my vehicle and realized I didn't have the time for how involved it would be.

[@liquifuse86]

Anybody successfully get in touch with this guy?

[@lastcallbeam]

So, what are the headbolts you put in, from?

[@p.drichard]

Wow thanks for sharing how to fix the Cadillac Northstar Engine. When I get another Cadillac, I'll be sure to find a mechanic who can do this.

[@AlexTorres-cs9lg]

LoL lol 8 it

[@d3ofol]

Need to know what vehicle those replacement bolts are for or their length. Also need what size tap was used, please.

[@walterreece458]

One.thing he didn't mention. Becasue I can't find those bolts

[@thomasfx3190]

I like it. I think a lot of people have this problem, Cadillac should have used a larger more coarse thread pitch bolt.

[@TeeroyHammermill]

Supposedly they did in later years.

[@citruscollins]

“… entire thread engagement of the block” while technically accurate, is effectively moot. It doesn’t matter if you have an additional 3 meters of “thread engagement”- any length more than (roughly) 1.5x the bolt diameter lends 0 additional strength. *in the *vast* majority of materials and applications

[@NeonAvantium]

It changes things when the problem with northstar engines is the threads pulling out of the block with the head bolts upon reinstalling the heads after a headgasket repair. More threads equal more holding power. Not clamping force necessarily.

[@joshuamckenzie6803]

i am interested in the head bolts and tap kit as well. also do you have a part # for the guide portion? secondly what is the harm in using oe head bolts ? thans in advance

[@gregmooney2-l9w]

that was very impressive

[@smalldog221]

Yes...where did you get the new bolts and what are the part numbers or sku numbers?

[@walterreece458]

So where do u get the 12m bolts for this?

[@johnballou1332]

great job!!! you all bless us less fortunate! did you ever put up the head gasket video?

[@johnkolodziej1692]

What size tap are you using on the block? Where did you purchase the bolts you are using? Looking forward to your reply!

[@RandyRousey-o4b]

Thank you just bought a 98 sls . Its over heating . Where do i get these headbolts that you are using in the video

[@Mrdubomb]

What head bolts are you using? Will this work as a repair for an already stripped thread?

[@warringtonfaust1088]

I have a '99 Eldorado with no present issues. Can this job be done with the engine in the car, one bolt at a time? I would consider it as a precaution.

[@CoreMaster111]

Yes but it's real pain in the ass.

[@EricMcDivitt-mi2ig]

Where'd you get the new bolts at

[@mavadoroaster]

Hey where did you buy the bolts????

[@raymondcomstock2129]

I'm interested in these bolts. How can I get them ??????????

[@RaymondLeichliter-sj1lw]

Just wanted to know where I can find the bigger bolts

[@blackericdenice]

I bought a thread repair kit from ebay for $150. I fixed one stripped out bolt hole. I torque all the bolts to 50 lbs-ft. My engine doesn’t run hot anymore.

[@arturozarate1752]

Hey....look at you. You got it back together after all. Good job.

[@motojaymn4131]

There also useing the northstar performance head studs too

[@namikadaj3381]

repair for a while, I've been through it already :)

[@nuclearruffneck]

You could have other issues or might not have performed it correctly. Not knocking on you or anything.

[@Mrdubomb]

So youve done this exact repair? What bolts did you use? Did your threads pull out? Did you have pulled threads before and were your heads/block machined flat? Need more info so I dont make the same mistake.

[@jameswhite1319]

Wonder y people post and can’t comment back

[@Ricky0613]

Is it possible to achieve this with the engine in the vehicle?

[@Samantha-tl5zz]

yes my husband completed this in ower 2000 cadillac Sts

[@jamesbrettwhite7821]

Thanks for sharing

[@dr.moustafaibrahim6810]

Great Job

[@romeoboss8974]

Where you got the bolts from

[@djnmemphis10]

Got any knowledge about the 1984 cadillac biarritz eldorado? I have one and the motor is shot. Any advice on a motor swap?

[@staneversham9531]

Do you use any type of compound on the threads during installation?

[@devinbordy2121]

Would this work for 1999 DeVille? Also where can I get the bolts? Not looking to use inserts....

[@TATTDIS]

For your racecars?

[@aundretti]

Where did you get those 12/1.5 bolts from and how much longer is the thread on those.

[@aundretti]

And can you please tell me do we increase the torque when going up 1 mm in bolt size

[@mattliston1215]

Where are these M12x1.5mm head bolts being sourced? I was planning on using my NS200L kit for my supercharged northstar project, but this seems far more straightforward and worthwhile.

[@cheapthrillsky9512]

We sell them directly; they are $75 for the full set. Supercharged northstar project? Sounds interesting - what are you building?

[@mattliston1215]

@@cheapthrillsky9512 How would I go about purchasing? Caddy (98 Seville sls vin 9) is getting a gen 3 GM M90, leaving it on the stock pulley initially. Going to Volvo Type 2 electric steering pump to gain a spot for the SC pulley. ZZP SC throttle adapter plate and 2005 N* throttle for ease of adaptation. Not sure how far I will end up going, but not doing a darn thing until I pop the engine out, re-thread/bolt the block, do the oil pump and timing equipment, and do the midplate seal and new bolts. Also going to crack open the fuel regulator and crank it up a few PSI (factory adjustable)

[@SKKustoms]

Cheap Thrills KY couldn’t find a way to send a message, but I’d like to get a set of bolts from you. Let me know how to make it happen! Thanks!

[@richarddohr2653]

@@cheapthrillsky9512 .I need a full set of headbolts M12 x 1.5 for my 2000 Cadillac Northstar engine.how can I get them from you

[@X1Y2Z0]

@@cheapthrillsky9512 Hello I would like to purchase those head bolts as well. I will be working on 2002 Deville engine swap and reseal & May as well do the head bolts. Thanks

[@reddrw1]

Nice Video Mike. What transmission bolts up to the 4.6 Northstar for a RWD car. Thank you

[@AshGTE]

From my understanding you can use a Jeep bellhousing mounted to a a T5 manual transmission. I did a bit of research on these engines and that's what I found out. The flywheel and clutch combo is the only sticking point but I'm also pretty sure a flywheel from a straight 6 Chevy c10 will fit. That info should get you started anyway.

[@reddrw1]

@@AshGTE Thank you

[@billchildress9756]

Screw using bolts,... I'd rather use studs.

[@CoreMaster111]

If your threads in the block are badly corroded then this won't work.

[@kevingoins5837]

How much does a job like this coast? And do the engine get new bottom gaskets & a new rear main seal? Oh & is this the same job that car wizard do ?

[@radesaul]

My Dad had them tapped the original way for his 98 SLS it was $3500 a while ago by someone who gave him a deal. I have the exact same car with 70000 mls on it if mine goes I'll have to scrap it because even though its in really great shape its only worth 4 or 5 K

[@kevingoins5837]

@@radesaul yeah it might only be worth 4 or 5 grand but the interior & the body is priceless, I would love to have another one. To me that northstar was a great engine G.Motors should have went back into the lab with it quick as hell

[@OCofthe3]

Something doesn’t seem right here. Even though the new bolts have a threaded part that’s longer, the amount of engagement is going to be the same since the bolt is the same length as stock and the threaded area in the hole doesn’t seem to be any different. The threaded portion of the holes are deeply sunk into the block, and rethreading them like this does not increase the length of the threads. So doing this doesn’t increase the the strength of the threads beyond what they were stock.

[@tombryan1]

It doesn't make sense, the 12mm bolt would have to be longer to get a deeper bite. And then there is the issue of the gasket hole sizes. This could have been and easy design change for GM engineers to have done when this problem surfaced. I know they did increase the bolt length in 2000, but not sure they went with 12mm

[@MrKoladge]

Come on if the threads are longer it means is gripping more area.

[@OCofthe3]

@@MrKoladge No, the issue is the threaded area in the block is very short. It doesn't matter how much of the bolt is threaded because there is only so much in the block. The rest of the threads on the bolt don't contact anything.

[@realliveboss5381]

Hence the fact that there aren't any replies. That motor took a shit big as TEXAS and he ran for the f'n hills. Nice try tho💯

[@benburg436]

Hi, I hope you receive this message. Can you please put an email or something I can contact you though. I'm very interested in the bolts but there is no way to contact you also the gasket preparation isn't here as stated and would like to confer with you on that. Please help

[@billirving6446]

hello how do we get hold of these people

[@cigarjefe]

Impossible to perform safely. Come on, guys.

[@joeh6697]

Just toss that G.M JUNK in the trash were it belongs 👍

[@toddjensen692]

Obviously I don't know everything. But others have said the thread pitch is a problem. So why not use a corse thread?

[@o.g.geezer7058]

Contact information for this Northstar technician, please. 😊

[@michaeldonahay8255]

What about the bolt holes in the heads if you're using bigger bolts.

[@rolasbadnews7889]

and in the head gasket

[@anthonytoler3916]

Whats your location?

[@davidbarger1393]

I would love to order a set of head bolts I have a 2000 cadillac

[@douglasnewton1260]

WHERE DO I FIND THE NEW BOLTS ?

[@d3ofol]

09 saturn vue with the 3500 apparently?

[@erdemboy1375]

and what will be the new torque specs for the bolts?

[@joeordinary209]

Great, very interesting and useful video. Looks like this can maybe be done without removing the engine? What head gasket do You recomend, is stock good enough after this procedure?

[@nuclearruffneck]

I would like to purchase a bolt and tap kit ASAP. Please contact me so I can. Thank you.

[@jonasgrumby1093]

As you can see the problem is the die cast open deck block design. Not the head bolts…

[@joshuamckenzie455]

I'm a idiot I'm sorry I would like to order just the head bolts for the 12×1.5

[@MrAwsomeshot]

how much would this job cost? I have leaking head gasket/s on my 04 srx N*

[@sashoaleksandrov1034]

Hi ! Can 5buy from you bolts and tap for HT4100 ?

[@michaeldonahay8255]

Good if you're planning on saleing the car. If you don't drill the holes deeper and use longer bolts going to do it again. Ok for race eng cause you don't have to worry about breaking down in the middle of nowhere.

[@Islamisthecultofsin]

I don't think the engine would strand you even if a bolt failed. You would just have a head gasket leak. The engine can run for hundreds of miles without any coolant in it.

[@wrinklypootapotomus3688]

Hey I just bought a 2003 Cadillac seville. It only has 83,000 miles. Do you have any recommendations on how I can NOT blow a head gasket? I can not afford to pay for this, so my only hope of salvaging the car would be to do it myself. Any tips? I worked in a machine shop for a year, and know how to tap threads etc. but don’t really have the tools to pull the engine or the knowledge to. I can do most things with cars if I have the tools and am shown how but I wouldn’t feel comfortable doing this. I just need this car to last me. Not making much money, so any advice at all is greatly appreciated.

[@mattliston1215]

flush the ever living crap out of the cooling system. Use distilled water several times to both save some money, and to avoid chemicals. once you think the system is clean, run radiator flush through it, such as prestone's kit. The problem with the northstars for daily driving comes up when people entirely skip cooling system maintenance. The FIRST time the northstar engine overheats, it starts to yank on the head bolt threads and head gaskets, even if you never overheat it afterwords. THe cooling system has so many tiny ports and hoses that easily clog up. Also, on these northstars, if the heater core gets plugged up, the engine overheats. It is NOT setup like other vehicles where the heater core is an "accessory" to the cooling system. On these cars, the heater core accounts for quote a lot of the coolant flow, and when plugged up (which also means otehr parts of the system are as well), coolant flow is restricted quite a lot. An easy flow check, remove the rubber hose that goes to teh side of your coolant expansion tank, point it into a bucket or container, and fire up the engine. If you get zero flow, your system is already at the very least starting to clog up. Once the engine is fully warm, you should get quite a lot of flow once the thermostat is fully open.

[@greggwilliams9431]

Pray

[@CoreMaster111]

As Matt said. Do not let the engine overheat and do a proper full cooling system maintanance every other year atleast.

[@Trollet456]

Drive it without theromstat

[@MowerModdin]

@@mattliston1215 I personally do everything that you said to do with my own cars. I want my cooling system to be clean also. But the heater core is a separate system. Inlet to heater core is at the back of the coolant crossover pipe and the outlet is right where the thermostat sits. The expansion tank is connected to the outlet hose of the heater core. Maybe you're thinking of the coolant filter pipe that vents to the top of the expansion tank, which actually does become a problem if clogged. If the heater core is clogged, and the rest of the cooling system is good, you won't have overheating issues. But usually if the heater core is clogged, there will be other issues with the cooling system anyways.