Time-Serts Kit – Cadillac Northstar TSB 04-06-01-032
March 20, 2011 10:17 am TIME-SERT Kits
© DenLorsTools.com Summary: GM TSB Technical Service Bulletin on Cadillac 4.6 Northstar engines with head gasket issues. Information on how to check and how to properly repair. Thread repair kits and electronic torque angle torque wrenches available for purchase. TSB information linked at the bottom of the tech article.
A common problem with Cadillac Northstar engines is the failure of aluminum head bolt threads in the engine block. This problem can result with the car overheating in a relatively short amount of time. Typically the engine can run hot in 10-15 minutes.
Since the reason for head gasket failure may be due to the compromised integrity of the head bolt threads it’s important to check their strength before doing a repair. When starting on a head gasket replacement job, it’s best to loosen and tighten ALL head bolts prior to removing the cylinder heads to insure the threads are strong enough to be re-used. If the threads pull out, refer to the following information including the related TSB (Technical Service Bulletin).
The TSB linked below covers this problem. Note that there are different TIME-SERT Kits and inserts depending upon the year of the vehicle. GM recommends TIME-SERT, it’s also sold as Kent Moore at a higher price, they share the same J-42385… series numbers. It’s important to also use an accurate method for measuring the torque and the additional turning of the head bolts, which is measured in degrees. Kent Moore has a specific part number for angle measurement, part number J-36660-A DLT. This is a very expensive specialty tool that is ONLY used for angle measurement – NOT TORQUE . We recommend a much less expensive tool which has a dual purpose. The KD Gearwrench PN KD 85074 is a torque wrench with the angle meter built in. It is a much less expensive tool that accurately torques AND measures additional turning of the (TTY (Torque to Yield) bolts measured precisely in degrees.
Some vehicles which may be affected.
1997 Cadillac Deville 4.6 L 2000 Cadillac Deville 4.6 L, Vin Y
1998 Cadillac Deville 4.6 L 2000 Cadillac Seville 4.6 L, Vin 9
1999 Cadillac Deville 4.6 L 2001 Cadillac Eldorado ETC 4.6 L
1999 Cadillac Seville 4.6L , 2002 Cadillac Deville 4.6 L
Related Specialty Tools and Tech Articles
Cadillac Northstar Thread Repair TSB 04-06-01-032 PDF
KD Tools 85073 3/8 Drive Electronic Torque Wrench with Angle
KD Tools 85074 1/2 drive Electronic Torque Wrench with Angle
TTY Head Bolts Tech Article – Torque Wrench with Electronic Angle
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barry gibbs :
Date: January 13, 2012 @ 6:03 pm
im looking for a cadillac deville engine v8-32v-northstar 1998,vin#1g6kd54y3wu758932.if you have it ,i would like to no what would cost.
dennisb - Auto Tool Sales :
Date: January 13, 2012 @ 6:24 pm
Barry,
Thanks for the request. We sell automotive tools and unfortunately do not sell engines. Good Luck.