Oldsmobile/Buick Repair: Head gaskets, blown head gasket, head gaskets


Question
My 98 Olds 88 has been diagnosed with a blown head gasket, affecting the 1,3,5 cylinders. Should the head gaskets be replaced in pairs and should the head bolts also be replaced? I am being told that I must replace both gaskets even if only one is bad and that the head bolts could snap if reused. Is this correct or am I being fed a line?

Thanks for any help you can give.

Answer
Hi Roy,
You are already so deep into the engine, that replacing both gaskets is logical, although you can get by with one.
Also, the bolts for years were reused, but if the manufacturer suggest not reusing them, due to torque-to-yield specs, then theoretically they have already been stretched, and thus are near breaking.
So you are not being fed a line, even though you might get by otherwise.
Van