Need to retorque my head....

[TedW]

I just had a rebuilt head installed and now need to re-torque the head bolts.

I have never done this before, but have been told that it is a task I am capable of performing myself. I have a torque wrench and a steady hand.

Any advice from the group on doing this?

Thanks in advance - Ted

[phoenix]

90 ft.lbs. work your way in a circle.

[jac04]

It's easy. I had to re-torque the head on my Turner engine after break-in per their manual. Just use the factory manual torque sequence and specification(s). IIRC., Turner wanted the engine up to temperature when the bolts were re-torqued.

Make sure to check & adjust the valves after you re-torque the head bolts. The valve clearance will change when you re-torque the bolts.

[TedW]

90 ft.lbs. work your way in a circle.

My green bible says 65; where did you get your figure?

[LaneRover]

When I re-did my head I was told that the exact amount isn't as important as doing them all the same amount.

[siii8873]

there is a torquing sequence in green book. It essentially starts in the center and circles it's way out.

[jac04]

My green bible says 65; where did you get your figure?

90 ft-lbs sounds high. I say go with the figure in the green manual.

[2manykids4a7]

Ted - I am about to do this and plan on going with 65 and following the pattern from the green bible (and both my other manuals) which appears to be more of a work from the centre out pattern.

Community - Am I right that re-torquing is only required if a copper gasket is used?

Thanks, Steve..

[jac04]

^^Remember, if you follow the pattern from the green bible, then you should torque the 1/2" head bolts to 65 ft-lbs and the 5/16" rocker shaft bolts to 18 ft-lbs.

The manual refers to the fabric type head gasket as a "non-retorque" type versus the copper-asbestos type gasket. However, when it comes to re-torqueing the head gasket, the manual states to do it at normal operating temperature with no mention of not doing it for a "non-retorque" type gasket. Turner wanted the head re-torqued on my engine, and it uses the non-retorque type head gasket.