Steve,
Retorque the headbolts when the engine is COLD. I let it sit
overnight.
One bolt at a time, in the "normal manner" (starting on the inner
bolts, and working outwards in a spiral pattern). If you loosen
ALL the headbolts at the same time, then you'll need to REPLACE
the headgasket, as you will break the seal. Just loosen, and
retighten, ONE BOLT AT A TIME.
Usually you only need to retorque the head at 500 miles. Usually
after the engine has had ten good "hot/cold" cycles.
As to the antifreeze seeping into the cylinder: No need to drain
the coolant, but REMOVE all four spark plugs. When you are done
with re-torqing the head bolts, just crank the engine over. Any
coolant that might have seeped into the cylinder is just expelled.
Cheers,
Tom Walter '67 2000
Austin, TX '68 2000
>I just had my engine rebuilt and want to treat it right.
>My mechanic said to re-torgue the head bolts after half hour, at 500 miles,
>and at each tune up. He said as long as I did them one at a time, following
>the pattern, I would not have to drain the antifreeze.
>My friend, whose opinion I respect, didn't think this would be good enough
>as the idea is to relieve the pressure on the gasket by loosening them all
>up and therefore must also drain the antifreeze.
>My friend and I are interested in what you guys recommend. I want to do the
>right thing, but not necessarily do extra work if it is not needed.
>Thanks,
>Steve Carter
>69 1600
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