lethal bird

iTrader: (12)

So I just finished my headgast swap (first time I ever changed head gaskets). And I bought new arp head bolts and torqued them all down to 75 lbs as arp says with on the paper in the box. I went by my manual and went in the sequence but did three passes of 75 lbs. I didn't realize I was supposed to go in increments of 20lbs, 44lbs, and 75lbs. My cars a 95 and the manuel only said torque to 65 lbs and didn't say anything about doing it in increments for 95 and lower. So did I mess up or what?

ZFreie

Your gonna get a lot of mixed feelings on this.

Have you started it?

lethal bird

iTrader: (12)

Not yet still need to adjust rockers and put spark plugs in it. Had to have surgry yesterday so I won't be able to start it for a few weeks.

Puck

iTrader: (17)

Why would you do three passes of the same torque value???

Did you lube the underside of the head bolts/washers with assembly lube so they don't bind up with the dry metal to metal contact?

SS RRR

iTrader: (2)

What I would, at the very least is unbolt them, put new head gaskets down and torque the correct way. If you really want to be thorough, have them checked out at a machine shop (which you should have done anyway before bolting them down).
As stated, and if you didn't do it, use oil or whatever lubricant of your choice on the bottom sides of the bolts before torquing. Use sealant on those bolts that tap into water jackets.
Because he didn't know?

lethal bird

iTrader: (12)

I used the arp lube Provided on the bolt head and washer. I also used sealant on the threads of the head bolts.

lethal bird

iTrader: (12)

So there no chance that they will be ok how I did it?

WS Sick

If you still have time loosenthem up and start over, doing it in increment this time, just consider you headbolts prestresed.

whytryz28

iTrader: (28)

Pretty sure ARP bolts aren't TTY so you can reuse them.

jaycenk

iTrader: (1)

No they are not TTY so yes you can reuse them.
I would actually start one bolt at a time i and get each one re oiled and thread loced and torque past the second torque spec and go to 55ftlbs and leave them all there until you have each bolt torqued to 55ftlb. Then do a final pass in the correct torque order to ARP's torque spec of 74 or 75 ftlbs. This shouldn't allow the head gasket to release at all and will net you the correct torque settings. This is all subject though to what head gasket you used?

lethal bird

iTrader: (12)

Felpro 1074.

spudnick3119

I'd pull all the bolts and retorque everything the correct way, but I'm just a little paranoid with stuff like that. I would hate to put it all back together and have it leak due to a distorted head gasket... I'm sure the more experienced guys will chime in and give you a good answer though.

WS Sick

Correct me if I'm wrong , but a headgaskets crush thickness even if uneven from this irst go-around would still be even if loosened and now retorqued.

jaycenk

iTrader: (1)

It may even be a little more the purpose is to spread the gasket to the out sides of the head and to keep head bolts from binding.

Jason94z

iTrader: (3)

I'd leave it. Retorquing a "used" gasket will be more trouble I think.
Either re-do with new gasket if you are paranoid, or just leave it. Most do this stuff is over-complicated by us - I've seen cars wailed on with power tools and run just great.

whytryz28

iTrader: (28)

I would get new gaskets and re torque, I don't mess around with stuff like that haha.

FAD2BLK93

I have a similar problem, i set up a torque wrench to do the first pass at 45. Went to do something and came back and grabbed another torque wrench off my bench and it was set at 65. (luckily it was not any higher) realized my mistake...they are Mr G .026 gaskets. And that is where they sit. And that is where they stay. I am not going to redo them, So i guess we will both find out. Leave them alone and move on.

draggin97s10

iTrader: (2)

i would take it apart and put new gaskets in it. The uneven pinch of the gasket is to big of a risk for coolant leak because of possible head warping. I would take any chances you are already in there.

WS Sick

If it hasnt reach operating temp what is the need to replace the gaskets? Poeple retorque head gaskets all the time, some even prefer to let it get hot tand then retorque them.

AChotrod

iTrader: (17)

Lloyd Elliott has told me its fine to reuse torqued gaskets as long as they werent run. I did it before and had 0 issues.