Head Gasket Question

[BlueDiamond]

Well, I pulled my passenger side head off because I broke my glow plug off in my head.

When I put everything back on and torqued the head down it began leaking from the front by the exhaust. It was leaking coolant.

Come to find out, the TORQUE WRENCH WAS NOT CORRECT! I torqued the head down with only 40ft lbs! I have a new digital one now and my question is..... Can I re-torque the bolts or is my gasket scrap now?

I didn't run it very long, and how it even started I don't know, but once I found the leak I shut her off. I really don't wanna take the head back OFF! Anyone else ever have this happen??

[frugalyankee]

I've never done a head gasket on a diesel but have done many on gas engines. Have had a couple that leaked due to problems during installation. Once the gasket has been compromised or has leaked I have found it best to replace it. Once the engine has been run, a diesel in particular, I would replace the gasket rather than re-torquing it. You in there now so do it while its easier (I know, never "easy") rather than have it let go on the road or away from home. The piece of mind is worth the aggrevation. Just MHO.

[chuckster57]

40 ft lbs of torque isn't really very much. I might be inclined to try re torquing. Safest is to replace it, but what is the final torque?


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[Dr.Evil]

According to my HELMS manual, cyl head torque is done in three steps. Step #1 65#/ft, Step #2 85#/ft, Step #3 105#/ft. and there is a specific order to be followed, 18 bolts per head.

[chuckster57]

So if he only got 40, he didn't reach the first step. Again, I might be inclined to try re torquing.

[BlueDiamond]

I did follow the torque specs correctly as well as the sequence. I should have known something was wrong when I kept going up on FT LBS and the bolt would hardly move before the wrench said it was tight. Someone probably used it as a breaker bar or something prior to me.

I am going to try to re torque it today. I figure ID try that first. If you have never removed a diesel head before, your in for a treat
I have worked on gas engines since a kid and find these a lot more simple. The diesel has so many damn lines that are hard to get to, I had my swear jar full in less that an hour. I ll let yall know if this works!

Thanks for the opinions

[BlueDiamond]

Well I re torqued the heads and it now leaks more than before. So it looks like that plan didn't work but worth it.

[chuckster57]

Originally Posted by BlueDiamond

Well I re torqued the heads and it now leaks more than before. So it looks like that plan didn't work but worth it.

SORRY! I feel your pain. Diesel heads are in a league of their own, like BB gassers. I have even dealt with Dodge V10 heads. I am so glad the ONLY one that uses my tools is me.


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[BlueDiamond]

So I took off the leaking head and found the problem! I attached a picture. I guess when I put the head on I damaged the corner... JEEZ Just for added measure also, I sent the head to a machine shop just to make sure it was level.

[chuckster57]

OUCH!! Those heads are heavy aren't they.


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[BlueDiamond]

Originally Posted by chuckster57

OUCH!! Those heads are heavy aren't they.


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Uhhh yes! I was told I could just pull it out by a mechanic. Well, that mechanic was either 6'10 and full of muscle or full of shi*! This was my solution. Got a big wood EYE bolt and screwed it into the rafter in the garage. Then I got my cumalong and out she came!

[chuckster57]

Much better approach!!! Hope all goes well.


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[frugalyankee]

Could have been damaged putting the head on or could have blown out from lack of torque. Any time a head gasket leaks, replace it and save any troubles further down the road. Good luck.