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Thank you gentlemen; so far we have an interesting group of answers, ranging from cold to maybe they used to torque the bolts hot.
I was aware of Larry's comment:
"I have seen the copper-clad gaskets compress so much and the nuts get so loose after the first run that if one waited for the engine to cool off, water might leak or seep into the engine." My own experience has shown me that. Also, Larry's "binding" comment that torque done when cold could put the "pinch" on the pistons is one I have not heard before.
As for Mike's comment:
"The Ford service bulletins say to do it warm." But is there a reason the bulletins would state this?
PC/SR's comment that cast be done cold and aluminum hot; I now remember that statement too. Is the reason because of the expansion/contraction properties of the two metals? (I don't know what they are.)
The consensus so far is leaning towards torqueing head bolts when the engine is cold, or had enough time to cool off to the touch.
What say you, other Fordbarners?