Re-Torquing Heads - 7.4L Mercruiser

[rnace]

Should I re-torque my head bolts after top-engine rebuild on 7.4L Mercruiser FWC Engines? I have 25 hrs on the engines since the work was performed and new head gaskets were installed. I'm also wondering if re-torquing the heads would disturb the thread sealant already on the bolts protruding into the water jackets and cause leaks.

 

[tpenfield]

If it ain't broke . . .

 

[Scott Danforth]

what gaskets did you use?
what fasteners did you use?
what sealant did you use?

25 hours is way too long a time to wait to re-torque. normally, you bolt on the heads, fire the motor up on the stand, then re-torque within a few hours. however with most quality head gaskets today, no need to re-torque.

 

[wrench 3]

It's a GM engine and GM doesn't recommend a re-torque.

 

[Lou C]

If you use Fel-Pro gaskets they don't recommend a re-torque either.

 

[makeitnew]

Re-torqueing qualifies as an "old wives tale". I agree with the others. Leave well enough alone!

 

[achris]

Re-torqueing qualifies as an "old wives tale". I agree with the others. Leave well enough alone!

I wouldn't call it an 'old wives tale'... Some engine absolutely MUST be re-torqued (the 470 springs to mind)...

Chris....

 

[rickasbury]

Im hearing a common thread here...