Head gasket replacement - re-torquing?

[cp2smith]

I recently replaced valves on my 4.3L V6. Everything is back together and its running perfectly. I torqued the head bolts to manufacturer's specs as per the Mercruiser service manual.

I've heard people recommend re-torquing the bolts after some running time. The service manual doesn't mention this, it recommends 3 stage tightening, which I did.

How important is it to re-torque them?

Colin Smith

 

[boat127]

Re: Head gasket replacement - re-torquing?

what you could do there is once you got your final torque is to let it sit for a couple hours and then re check the torque values after so you dont have to remove everything again like valve covers and exhaust manifolds

 

[Bondo]

Re: Head gasket replacement - re-torquing?

Ayuh,... I haven't Re-torgued a head since they came out with the composite gaskets We use today...

 

[cp2smith]

Re: Head gasket replacement - re-torquing?

I've never re-torqued a head either. However it's a relatively simple task and I've had 3 or 4 people mention it's a good idea.

Thanks for the input.

Ayuh,... I haven't Re-torgued a head since they came out with the composite gaskets We use today...