Chrysler Engine C38 6cyl. head bolts

[dalef62]

I am working on a customers 1948 Chrysler 251cid 6 cylinder engine and a few of the head bolts broke.  I can not find the replacement ones at the auto parts in a kit.  Should I buy a complete set or can I buy just a few to replace the ones that broke?  Where would I find them, are they regular Grade 8 bolts??? I also need one valve keeper as one flew the coup as I was installing them.  

Thanks,

Dale

[hwellens]

I any broke, I would replace all. https://www.mcmaster.com/ 

should have the grade 8 bolts.

[GARY F]

I got all new  from Fastenal for my 37 Olds.

Edited July 17, 2020 by GARY F (see edit history)

[ply33]

Not sure about the bigger Chrysler engine, but over on the P15-D24 forum there has been mention that one size of Chevy 350 head bolt works. My old '33 has studs rather than bolts so I am not sure of which particular Chevy head bolt is correct.

 

Should be able to get the "Valve Spring Retainer Lock" (part 395931) through your local auto supply. See, for example: https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/SEPVK63

[Rusty_OToole]

I would replace all the head bolts if some of them broke. The rest must be stretched or fatigued with age by now.

I looked into this some years back, it seems to me that some Chevy head bolts are the same size but you have to buy 2 sets for a Chevy small block V8 to get enough of the right size for a Chrysler six. ARP makes heavy duty head bolts that may be available from your local parts store or Summit or one of the online stores.

Then there is Vintage Power Wagons, they have warehouses full of parts, Dodge Power Wagons used the same Chrysler engine up to 1968 in military versions and they have lots of parts.  https://www.vintagepowerwagons.com/online-parts-catalog

Andy Bernbaum and Roberts Auto Parts also have parts for old Chryslers.

Edited July 18, 2020 by Rusty_OToole (see edit history)

[dalef62]

tried several auto parts and even though they list it, it is not available.  So back to square one.  Anyone have a valve keeper?

[Guest]

Take your sample keeper and go around all the local machine shops that overhaul engines.  I have never seen a automotive machinist that did not have a box, bin or container full of old/obsolete, I don't know what it fits keepers.

[Rusty_OToole]

4 hours ago, dalef62 said:

tried several auto parts and even though they list it, it is not available.  So back to square one.  Anyone have a valve keeper?

Compare these to the size of bolts and the number you need, you may have to order 2  sets to get the right number of the right size bolts for your car.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/arp-134-3601/make/chevrolet

Edited July 30, 2020 by Rusty_OToole (see edit history)