470 Head torquing question

[slydog75]

In Service manual #8, in the head installation section, it says:

"...cylinder head bolts must be retorqued after engine has been brought to normal operating temperature. Failure to do this can result in head gasket failure."

Does this mean I have to actually retorque the bolts while the engine is still warm or does it just mean the engine has to have been warmed up once and it can cool down before I retorque?

 

[toolsinbox]

Re: 470 Head torquing question

Only aluminum heads need to be torqued at warm temp. I think the manual is referencing the re-torque after the engine has been at opperating temp. This activates sealers that make up the surface of the gasket. Read the directions that come with the gasket as there are improvements made all the time. It would be worth the time and effort to call the supplier for exact instructions if none come with. Especially if they contradict the manual. There are gaskets available that require no re-torquing so do some investigating once you have the product in hand.

 

[slydog75]

Re: 470 Head torquing question

Only aluminum heads need to be torqued at warm temp. I think the manual is referencing the re-torque after the engine has been at opperating temp. This activates sealers that make up the surface of the gasket. Read the directions that come with the gasket as there are improvements made all the time. It would be worth the time and effort to call the supplier for exact instructions if none come with. Especially if they contradict the manual. There are gaskets available that require no re-torquing so do some investigating once you have the product in hand.

Head gasket didn't come with any instructions, I've just been going by the Mercuiser service manual. I beleive all my gaskets are Quicksilver brand.

 

[CAPTKEV85]

Re: 470 Head torquing question

the head is cast iron the block is aluminum. re tourqe the head after its warm