cellulis44

iTrader: (11)

So my buddy and I went ahead and put the heads back on my car with new stock GM head gaskets.

He read which bolt to torque and I torqued. On the last pass, I realized he had missed a bolt... (we are using ARP head bolts btw) So I loosened and retorqued. Never once took the head off while I loosened... So.. My question is, since I put a load on he head gasket.. loosened, then retorqued.. are they ok? or shoud I pull the head, replace and retorque?

Hope not.. because I want this bitch running tomorrow...

cellulis44

iTrader: (11)

anyone know the simple answer?

sandragnx

iTrader: (82)

You'll be OK.I think you are actually suppose to torque them down loosen then torque them down again anyways.

vettenuts

iTrader: (4)

One bolt was loose the entire time or you missed it on the last pass?

5_02ls1

iTrader: (20)

you are fine...getting them all tourqed equally is the main thing....

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

anyone use the copper spray on the head gaskets? i figure if the OP used something like that he prolly wouldn't be worried about it. i never hear anyone mention it.

9t8z28

iTrader: (19)

I don't use it and I am pushing 8# of boost and no problems

A_VAS

iTrader: (16)

I actually like to torque heads down, let them sit over night at least, then loosen and retorque each bolt one at a time. If the gasket settles a bit then you get the bolts back up to the torque value they are supposed to have.

IH8FORD

iTrader: (6)

It is always good to loosen them and retq them anyway . You will be fine. What kind of heads did you put on there.

Uncle John

Thats probably a bad idea. If you do that, whats the purpose of torquing them to 25 - 50 - 80 in sequence???? You need to torque them in increments to keep the heads from warping under the torque. If you loosen one, you're upsetting the torque balance. Just my .02.

Damian

iTrader: (89)

Truth.

There is no need, nor does it benefit to "torque, loosen and retorque". It may make you feel better, but it's not whats best for your engine. TQ sequences are designed for a reason. Follow them by the book, and leave them alone.

Also, letting bolts sit overnight and then REtorque later isn't doing any good either. Especially on a GM bolt that requires angle TQ'ing.

On ARP's, I get every bolt snug tight then go 30ft lbs in sequence. Repeast sequence with 55ftlbs, and one last seq. with 85 ft lbs. DONE. No more TQ'ing, it's not needed.

On GM bolts, go by the book and do nothing more or less.

For those curious about the copper sealant you can spray on the head gaskets, it definitely can't hurt. I use it on all of my high compression and/or nitrous motors.

cellulis44

iTrader: (11)

241's with a VJ and bowl blend.. nothing special.

jomomma

iTrader: (39)

as long as you have`nt fired the motor over your fine. just do them in the correct sequence.

94-lt1

iTrader: (1)

go by the book, you should be fine.

Randy WS6

iTrader: (69)

I use copper spray, just for insurance.

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

i have only done one cylinder head so far as a repair for a family member thats why i was curious if everybody was using the copper spray. as a recommendation from a friend i used it with no problems so far.

BowtieBoyAV

Digging up an old thread...

How many times have people reused their ARP head bolts?
Do you worry about getting them back into the exact location each one come out of?
Can you just spray this copper sealant wherever on a MLS gasket? Since they already have the black silicon coating in sealing areas do you worry about getting the copper spray on those areas or it doesnt matter.

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

I coat the whole gasket with the copper, both sides.

Randy WS6

iTrader: (69)

The head bolts can be used many times, the bolt dont haft to go back in the exact hole just the right length bolt, I spray both sides of my MLS head gaskets on both side 100% ,spray them till fully coated and in even coats. I dont spray mine till i need to install the heads, Spray and let it tack up not fully dry,then install the heads and torque.

mark21742

I have actually used a set of MLS head gaskets a few times over... cleaned them really good with paint thinner, then used copper spray with no problems