While I'm here, I do have a question.
When installing the head bolts, I understand to go through the tightening sequence. Once all the bolts are torqued as required, I read that I put a line on all the bolts pointing straight then tighten all bolts 180 degrees or so the line is now pointing back. Do I do this for all head gaskets? The reason I ask is because some gaskets call for them to be retightened. I had planned on getting Felt-pro which doesn't require re-tightening, so do I still do the 180 degree tightening?
Thanks again.
Yes.
Part of the head bolt torquing sequence, is the initial torquing of the head bolts to 25 ft-lbf, done in the proper sequence over several passes. Next is putting a paint mark on the bolt heads closest to the front of the engine, and then tightening them in two separate 90° steps, again following the proper sequence, so the paint marks end up facing the rear of the engine.
Yes, you also use that procedure for the Fel-Pro gaskets you have.
What they are referring to when they say their gaskets require no retorquing, is some gaskets types specify the initial torquing of the head bolts, running the engine for a short period of time, then going back and pulling valve covers, etc. and going back through and retorquing all the head bolts in the proper sequence again.
The OEM head bolts are TTY (Torque To Yield), so it would be advisable to use new bolts just for longevity sake. People sometimes reuse the old head bolts, but I think that's false economy.
If the TTY bolts are already stretched to near their service limit when reinstalled, and continue to stretch when subjected to the constant expansion and contraction of the head and block. It's only a matter of time until their clamping ability is insufficient, and the headgasket(s) start to leak again.
