Torqueing the heads question 2
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 5,713
Likes: 105
From: Manassas VA
Torqueing the heads question 2
I have been reading that it is a good idea to re-torque the heads after they have set for a day. Should I, or should I not, loosen the bolts to retorque to the 65 LBS setting?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 6,130
Likes: 2
From: seattle WA
Re: Torqueing the heads question 2 (93 ragtop)
Well, did you read the thread above? :rolleyes: From the old school, we torqued the heads, after re-installing exhaust manifolds brought the engine up to operating temp. let it cool, and just re-torqued. I never backed them off, simply checked the torque in sequence, never waited a day! I can't say how many times I did this- :smash: on wood I never had a failure. Just guessing, but I've probably done this 20-30 times. I personally will never change my procedure. ;)
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,715
Likes: 27
From: Kempner Texas
Re: Torqueing the heads question 2 (rick lambert)
The ideal way is to warm the engine and fluids, then lean on the engine a few times to make good power, which means down the road/track, not just sitting still.
This puts a load on the bolts and gasket sealing surfaces.
Let the engine completely cool overnight then incrementally loosen each bolt in the same sequence they were torque in. The re-torque each bolt using several steps.
Of course, this is a lot of work.
You can probably get by running the engine under power as above and letting it cool overnight. Then pull one valve cover and check the bolts you can reach without disassembling the valve train or removing the exhaust. If any of them are down on torque by 10% or more, you'll need to do them all using the "lots of work" method.
The worse offenders are aluminum heads using new head bolts that haven't taken a stretch set. The last time I checked mine the torque had dropped to 45#.
If you do not re-torque the head bolts, you may never have a problem, then again . . .
Jake
This puts a load on the bolts and gasket sealing surfaces.
Let the engine completely cool overnight then incrementally loosen each bolt in the same sequence they were torque in. The re-torque each bolt using several steps.
Of course, this is a lot of work.
You can probably get by running the engine under power as above and letting it cool overnight. Then pull one valve cover and check the bolts you can reach without disassembling the valve train or removing the exhaust. If any of them are down on torque by 10% or more, you'll need to do them all using the "lots of work" method.
The worse offenders are aluminum heads using new head bolts that haven't taken a stretch set. The last time I checked mine the torque had dropped to 45#.
If you do not re-torque the head bolts, you may never have a problem, then again . . .
Jake
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 5,713
Likes: 105
From: Manassas VA
Re: Torqueing the heads question 2 (JAKE)
Hey Jake,
I appreciate your input on this. You have been a big help to me on this project. Some of these questions might seem trivial, but Im just trying to make sure I do it right. Again thanks for your help and no :rolleyes: from you. :cheers:
I appreciate your input on this. You have been a big help to me on this project. Some of these questions might seem trivial, but Im just trying to make sure I do it right. Again thanks for your help and no :rolleyes: from you. :cheers:
