if i had to loosen the head bolts to get some play in order to replace tc cover with head on can I just add a couple pound of torque when retightening them,say 60lbs instead of 58? if this doesnt work what will be the first sign? thanks.

 

not the best idea to loosen the head and try to re tighten, do the the oil pan instead of the head, to get the space u need if u look around there are a couple threads on doing it that way. the head gasket will leak from the water ports down the block or into the oil.

 

i concur

 

the gasket is brand new if that makes a difference.Yea I cracked the tc cover tightening the head to tc cover bolt and got a leak.

 

doesn't make a difference if it's a day old. if the head's been torqued down, and you loosen the head bolts, there's probably about a 75% chance it'll spring a leak

they're a one time thing; once you torque it down, if you have to loosen it back up, you have to replace it

 

Well I have seen people on here loosen them to change cams and ratchet strap the head down and have had no problems, but for what he wants to do it's not a good thing. I am sure he wants to lift the head a little to get the cover off. Which is not needed to do.

 

will it leak right away if at all or will it always be prone to failure,its already back together.

 

it might hold for a little and then one day go or it could just go from the start. i guess since its together keep an eye on it extra good and watch your water level. and keep an eye on it.

 

Why ask if it's bad to do something and do it anyway?

 

I had already put it back together when I wrote the post,I just wanted to know what my expectations should be.I know I may have screwed myself,(I know I should leave that to my wife)but I am very new at wrenching and I am still learning,even if it is the hard way.Should have asked the question first