Pop during final torque of head

[turand]

So, I am (was?) close to finishing a head gasket replacement and valve job on my 181cu Mercruiser 140, Alpha 1, Gen 1. On one of the head bolts, I heard a pop on the final torque. Engine block was drained days ago, block threads were chased multiple times, blown out with compressed air too, head bolts had Permatex #3 sealant, and greased on the heads. I re-used the headbolts, cleaned with a stainless steel rotary and they looked good. I torqued according to the service manual for my serial, which has it 93 lbs (and retorqued at 20 hours -- if i get there .
I didn't think I could crack an iron block/head at this torque, but maybe? When I cleaned the surfaces, neither the head nor block showed any signs of weakness by the bolts. So is an occasional pop normal? I see no evidence on the external of the block or head of any crack. Should I back out the bolt and inspect?

FYI -- I am using a Fel-Pro (PN: 17000) head gasket.

 

[dubs283]

I didn't think I could crack an iron block/head at this torque

me too

i'm sure you're fine. the 3.0 L engine while an excellent powerplant is far from high performance

run it and have fun

 

[2550SX]

Did you put a drop of oil under the head of the bolt prior to tightening them?

 

[turand]

Did you put a drop of oil under the head of the bolt prior to tightening them?

No, I've read on these forums use some grease to serve the same purpose.

sealant on head bolts

89 OMC 4.3 - Replaced cylinder heads but did not use sealant on the bolt's threads. I've decided to take everything apart again and apply the sealant to the threads. Can I remove one bolt at a time, apply the sealant, and then re-tourque?

forums.iboats.com

 

[2550SX]

I could see how if you did not use a lubricant under the head of the bolt it could make a little pop noise from the friction created but if you did indeed lube them there should be no friction.

I cant see a head bolt snapping at only 93 ft/lbs though. I would leave it. If it really bothers you then you could remove it just to check, put a dab of sealant back on the threads and reinstall and you should be fine.