Second torque-down of head bolts

[Joe Flanagan]

Is the second torque-down supposed to be done immediately after your first 20-minute run or can it wait? The reason I ask is because if I happen to get my engine started today, I don't want to work outside in howling winds and near-freezing temperatures torquing down the head bolts. It's brutal out there. I'd like to run it for 20 minutes, shut it down, and then go inside and celebrate (probably by taking a nap).

[Don Coatney]

I would think it can wait. If I recall I did 2-3 heat cycles on my engine before I re-torqued the head.

[Niel Hoback]

Don, when you did the second tightening, did you do it with a hot engine or did you wait until it cooled down?

[Don Coatney]

Don, when you did the second tightening, did you do it with a hot engine or did you wait until it cooled down?

Hot.

[Niel Hoback]

Thanks Don, I'm gonna give it a shot.

[jd52cranbrook]

All the advice I get on my Eggy head, (aluminum composite), is to torque it while completely cold, to avoid warping. Sound right? So I check it after long usage, the day after.

[Joe Flanagan]

Thanks, Shel. I got no problem with that as long as I'm not freezing my fingers off.

[aero3113]

I'm sure the cast Iron head will keep your fingers warm

[Joe Flanagan]

I guess you're right. The tough part is handling cold wrenches. I generally don't wear gloves when I work because I can't feel anything with my fingers.

[aero3113]

When you run the car keep the wrenches on the inner fender under the hood, maybe that will keep them warm for you. Its time to bring her to life .

[Frank Elder]

Having worked in cold weather I can see your slant Joe, there are "Mechanix" gloves out there that are thin enough to feel what you need to feel, they will not keep you warm for long, but they will give you a slight edge...and you won't stick to the metal:)I've used the black and gold wells lamont gloves with success from wally world.

I can feel well enough to get the job done without frost forming on my fingertips.

About $10.00