Re-torque Heads poll
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,979
Likes: 48
From: Lakeport CA
Re-torque Heads poll
I hope to get my heads installed over the next couple of days.
113 alum. castings on an '90 L98 roller cam block. I'm using the TPIS .029 gaskets to raise compression 1/2 point. Chris at TPIS said they don't normally re-torque but I can if I want.
Can I get a vote from the members...
113 alum. castings on an '90 L98 roller cam block. I'm using the TPIS .029 gaskets to raise compression 1/2 point. Chris at TPIS said they don't normally re-torque but I can if I want.
Can I get a vote from the members...
Large Impressive Member
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From: Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
Are you kidding? I go over them two or three times when I install them and might even do it again after some time has passed. But I'm talking about before final assembly and running. You'd have to remove ex. manifolds or headers (on a SBC), and misc. other crap, depending on the vehicle. Modern gaskets don't require this and I've never done it on anything including the diesels I work on which may have up to a 21:1 compression ratio. I don't have failures, don't worry. If I were working on a 13:1 or more race engine that was going to run for long periods, maybe. Otherwise....
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,979
Likes: 48
From: Lakeport CA
Yeah... I was NOT looking forward to dropping the headers & most of the engine accessories to get under the valve covers...
On a related question, what is everyone using for head bolt thread sealer? Silicone, Permatex #2 or pipe thread sealer w/ teflon?
On a related question, what is everyone using for head bolt thread sealer? Silicone, Permatex #2 or pipe thread sealer w/ teflon?
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 17,298
Likes: 33
From: The Top of Utah
There is nothing wrong with re-torquing, but it can be a lot of extra work. I'd say it's up to you, depending on how nit picky you want to be. For the record, I wouldn't.
On any bolt, particularly head or intake manifold, that goes into water, I use Permatex #2.
RACE ON!!!
On any bolt, particularly head or intake manifold, that goes into water, I use Permatex #2.
RACE ON!!!
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
About 15 or so years ago, I started using Fel-Pro teflon coated head gaskets and they tell you that it is unecessary to retorque head bolts and I haven't done it and those gaskets last a long long time without any problems. One thing you might consider is that when you retorque head bolts, you will break loose the thread sealant!
Large Impressive Member
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
Originally Posted by 85vet
Only if they are Brand new aluminum heads. The initial heat cycle is extreme.
Don't ask me how I know this - AFR does recommend it on new heads!!!!
Don't ask me how I know this - AFR does recommend it on new heads!!!!
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Large Impressive Member
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
Originally Posted by 85vet
I can laugh now - let me tell you, it was not funny at the time - random white smoke screens out the tail pipes.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,979
Likes: 48
From: Lakeport CA
Thanks for the input... I'm still undecided but did get the right head on today. The gaskets from TPIS this time actualy have a side down stamp and a manufact. Corteco. Found their US website & sent them an inquiry on their recommendation.
If your interested the site is here:
http://www.corteco-usa.com/PROD/EGaskets.asp
Interesting reading on their gasket materials...
If your interested the site is here:
http://www.corteco-usa.com/PROD/EGaskets.asp
Interesting reading on their gasket materials...
Large Impressive Member
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
Unless the gasket maker or engine/head manufacturer recommends it, I just can't see it in most applications. I've worked on and built hundreds of engines of nearly every configuration, stock, modified, gas as well as light, medium and HD diesels and have never had a head gasket failure.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,979
Likes: 48
From: Lakeport CA
Here is the response from the gasket manufact. I am tending to lean towards NOT doing it. If I ever happen to be in it that far you can bet I'll probably check it but only then. I used permatex #2 on the bolts after using the wire brush on them. I shouldn't have to worry about the bolts leaking coolant if I do go back later.
Thanks again to everyone for their input.
You have purchased a Corteco WhiteSeal Technology head gasket. The patent pending coating is a two part epoxy/silicone combination that provides best in the industry sealing and longevity. The .028" gasket that you have is a "one sided graphite" design which is a good replacement for the OEM gasket. It does not require additional sealers or adhesives, and it does not require re-torque. Please make sure that you are using clean head bolts lightly oiled on the threads and under the head. Please let me know if you should have any other question.
Thank you,
Chad P. Davis
Sr. Product Manager,
Corteco Gaskets
Ph: 419-499-6035
Fx: 419-499-2438
Thanks again to everyone for their input.
You have purchased a Corteco WhiteSeal Technology head gasket. The patent pending coating is a two part epoxy/silicone combination that provides best in the industry sealing and longevity. The .028" gasket that you have is a "one sided graphite" design which is a good replacement for the OEM gasket. It does not require additional sealers or adhesives, and it does not require re-torque. Please make sure that you are using clean head bolts lightly oiled on the threads and under the head. Please let me know if you should have any other question.
Thank you,
Chad P. Davis
Sr. Product Manager,
Corteco Gaskets
Ph: 419-499-6035
Fx: 419-499-2438
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,979
Likes: 48
From: Lakeport CA
Believe it or not... I received a call from Corteco today. Wondering where I heard a need to re-torque their gaskets. He told me, "don't bother". A waste of time with their gaskets...
Have to say I'm impressed that they both emailed & called me. How many big vendors would do that?? Since I am on the west coast he also mentioned they sponser a PSCA (Pacific Street Car Assoc.) Perhaps I should call him next week & see if he wants to be a forum sponsor?? :-)
Have to say I'm impressed that they both emailed & called me. How many big vendors would do that?? Since I am on the west coast he also mentioned they sponser a PSCA (Pacific Street Car Assoc.) Perhaps I should call him next week & see if he wants to be a forum sponsor?? :-)
