unusual head torque issue

Great Lakes Greg

Great Lakes Greg

Well-known member
Not really an issue, just curious. I have a fresh rebuild with a 5.5 head initially torqued to 60 lbs. Ran it once and got some good heat through it, cooled off completely and went to re torque the nuts. Unlike a dozen times before on various engines, the nuts held they're torque. I pulled up to 75 pounds thinking they would "TINK" and then turn at a lower value, but they didn't budge, so I let off. I'm fine with it, I guess, just never experienced this before. Thoughts from the experts?
 
Im at the same stage but on a 59 V8 . I've had motors hold but this time after first heat cycle I felt some of the bolts move. That right I used 8ba bolts on a 59 ,no studs . First try ...
 
It's called "stiction", that initial resistance to turning. Always back off the nut about a quarter turn or so first, then torque to specs.
 
40 Deluxe you may be right but I dont think I would back em off. if everything is staying tight thats good leave it alone thats my opinion
 
One, I always thought never to back off the nut.

Two, 75 lbs is too much. It should be 55 lbs.
 
It is a Rich Fallucca engine. I don't know what kind of head gasket he used. I am inclined to leave it alone as some have suggested. I did not tighten them to 75, because they didn't move. They are still at the initial 60 lbs.
 
I use ARP Ultra-Torque Assembly Lube on head nuts. Nuts don't stick to the threads.
I worried about the nuts loosening, but that a has not happened yet.
I torque Model A heads to 55 lbs.
 
The only time I found a head gasket (copper) that didn't compress after a heat cycle is when an old gasket was re-used. They don't compress because it is compressed as much as possible. Gaskets can be re-used BUT, not on a new customer engine without the customers knowledge.
 
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