The Ford Barn

Great Lakes Greg · 02-27-2011, 03:14 PM

First start on the new engine went well yesterday. Went out today for the re-torque of the head nuts. Predictably, they were loose averaging around 40 ft. pounds each. I ran it to operating temp again and anticipate another round of tightening tommorow. My question is, about how many more times will I have to repeat this?

Jim Brierley · 02-27-2011, 03:26 PM

I would re-torque again after the first drive, it should be OK after that although I check mine every year or so.

Mitch · 02-27-2011, 03:32 PM

I would retorque until you don't need to again. 3-5 times if necessary.

pat in Santa Cruz · 02-27-2011, 03:40 PM

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It depends on which gasket you are using. An asbestos filled copper gasket, if you could find one, will set quicker than the modern fillers. Bests copper seems better than FelPro's. The modern silicone treated gaskets seem to require more frequent torque, but they do not seep water like the modern filled copper. In general I torque them initially, run it for 5 minutes, let it cool then torque the next morning. Then drive it 25 miles, let it cool and torque again the next morning, then at 50, 100, 200, 500 and possibly even 1000, unless it was stable at 200 and 500, then I wouldn't worry about it after 500.

02-27-2011, 03:26 PM	#2
Jim Brierley Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Temecula, CA Posts: 4,251	Re: How many times to re-torque a head? I would re-torque again after the first drive, it should be OK after that although I check mine every year or so.

02-27-2011, 03:32 PM	#3
Mitch Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Dayton, Ohio Posts: 185	Re: How many times to re-torque a head? I would retorque until you don't need to again. 3-5 times if necessary.

02-27-2011, 03:40 PM	#4
pat in Santa Cruz Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: santa cruz, calif Posts: 2,011	Re: How many times to re-torque a head? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) It depends on which gasket you are using. An asbestos filled copper gasket, if you could find one, will set quicker than the modern fillers. Bests copper seems better than FelPro's. The modern silicone treated gaskets seem to require more frequent torque, but they do not seep water like the modern filled copper. In general I torque them initially, run it for 5 minutes, let it cool then torque the next morning. Then drive it 25 miles, let it cool and torque again the next morning, then at 50, 100, 200, 500 and possibly even 1000, unless it was stable at 200 and 500, then I wouldn't worry about it after 500.