js1257

Put a head gasket on and the TCC and chain. My mechanic torqued the head down to 70 ft/lbs. I chased the block threads and put 10/40 on the threads of the bolts when I put them in. The truck started and we let it run for about 15 minutes. I drove it the next day for almost 5 miles. I finally got a torque wrench and went to retorque the head bolts. 3 of them needed tightening.One was about a little more than a quarter turn, one was less than a quarter turn and the other one less. Should I retorque the bolts after 50 miles or try to do it weekly until they stay torqued? Do you think this may be a problem and or of things to come? Hopefully not bad things. Some of the seasoned veterans who have rebuilt their engines and or have put head gaskets on I would appreciate your opinion. Thank you.

Terrys87

iTrader: (1)

In my opinion, I feel that the head bolts backing out is a major source of head gaskets blowing. Anytime I do a tune up and adjust valves, I set my torque wrench to about 60 pounds and give them a quick check. That is tight enough to let me know if any are loose but not so tight to distort the head gasket. On my next motor rebuild or top end rebuild, I intend to use some lock tite on the head bolts.

osv

fwiw, lubing threads with oil before assembly can change torque readings... even the type of lube used can change the torque reading.

but you can't put 'em in dry either.

lalojamesliz

When I installed my headbolts they had a very light oil film. Just out of curiosity, why can't you install them dry?

89 urban renagade

let us know how it goes

osv

too much friction, it screws up the torque reading, and it can bind up, destroying the threads.

js1257

I checked them over the weekend and they were good. I plan to check them a couple of times.

jazz1

That makes sense as my head gasket failed at 15,000 miles on my rebuilt 22RE and mechanic who replaced head gasket told me there was pitting on head bolts at front and rear of engine. He also showed me where the gasket had been leaking in 2 places on the head. Opinions vary on whether it was the gasket or head bolt which caused the problem but re-torquing is cheap insurance.

Terrys87

iTrader: (1)

I go against the most opinion on here on using Toyota factory head gasket. It is suggested by most to use a Toyota gasket and the first two motors I did a top end rebuild on I did use a factory gasket. I have done numerous other head gaskets and I get mine from my local machine shop and the brand name is Engine Pro. I have yet to have one to fail. I have seen several trucks with loose head bolts and my next build I plan on using blue lock tite on my head bolts for some insurance. I dont know if the heat will be to much for blue lock tite. I will do it on my next Runner build coming up in a few more months and see what happens. It will be quite some time before I get the truck running but one day I will pull the valve cover and see if I can easily loosen the head bolt and if any are loose. It will be my own experiment.