4.3 head gaskets

[Gary H NC]

I just replaced the head gaskets on my omc 4.3<br />Took it out for a test run and had no problems.<br />Someone had said i need to re-torque the head bolts after running the engine awhile.<br />The mechanic that did the work never mentioned it! Should i have this done before running it again? i have put about 6 hours on it since the work was done. I don't want to pay another 500 bucks labor to have gaskets replaced again..

 

[ziggy]

Re: 4.3 head gaskets

this is a quote out of my oem service manual for my older pre alpha IL6 regaurding head gaskets. <br />"Note: Be sure to torque cylinder head on all 6 cylinder engines while performing 20 -hour checkup. Failure to retorque could result in poor engine performance, blown cylinder head gaskets, burned valves, warped cylinder head or all four"<br />so when i get my head back on i will have to make sure to do this it seems at 20 hours(i'm in the prossesess of R&Ring my head gasket right now)...<br /><br /> i don't know yer engine, but it seems that it at least could be a possibility that ya need to retorque to me....perhaps someone with yer manual will chime in and let ya know what the facts are for you, i hope. like i said the info i provided is for my engine, not yers. but it's some info regaurding retorqueing of cylinder head bolts...i sure wouldn't want to pay another $500 either....

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: 4.3 head gaskets

Thanks Ziggy,Sounds like it would be worth doing just to be safe. I think i'll barrow a torque wrench and pop off the valve covers and check it out..I asked the mechanic and he said to tighten to 65 ft pounds ...of course he would charge me labor if he does it..<br />Thanks again..

 

[ziggy]

Re: 4.3 head gaskets

gary h nc. if yer gonna do yer own work on your boat a should think about investing in a oem manual for yer rig if ya can find one.(even a aftermarket manual would be better than none, though some would disagree with that statement) it will have the facts about yer set up in it and then there will be no question as to what is nessessary to do for proper maint. i think if ya do the head bolt retorqe thing, yer gonna need to know the proper sequence to tighten the bolts in too, along with the proper torque value. i'm sorry i don't have any ref. manuals or even the proper manual # to get for you to give you the facts on yer engine. ya might ask some of these questions over on the i/o forum. theres lots of real sharp folks over there.....

 

[Silvertip]

Re: 4.3 head gaskets

I'm not an I/O expert but I do know that some GM engines no longer rely strickly on torque readings. The bolts are torqued to a specific value then turned a certain amount (1/4 turn or so). This process stresses (stretches) the bolts and makes torqueing the bolts again impractical since they have already been stretched. Do some research before you retorque. A manual is necessary -- visit your local library if you don't want to buy one.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: 4.3 head gaskets

Thanks Guys,<br />I just ordered the Seloc manual..the only thing i could find for this drive system.At least it will tell me the correct way to do the headbolts.<br />I have worked on alot of GM engines in cars so alot of repairs i should be able to handle with the Seloc book..I know Seloc is not the greatest but its better than no info.<br />Thanks again for everyones help.