The SCE ICS Titan head gaskets say to re-torque the head bolts after a heat cycle, in order, one at a time... It says to break the friction contact and re-torque to specs. I have one question with 2 parts...

On the head bolts where I used thread sealant, will this:
1) create a coolant leak, and/or
2) cause problems with achieving the correct torque spec (While wet ARP thread sealant acts just like moly lube for torque-ing(sp), dry stuff probably binds up and gives a false torque reading...)

$.01 for your thoughts?

 

The dry stuff would mess up the torque and maybe leak, I always use permatex #2 non-hardening sealer so honestly I don't know about other sealants in that situation. Also if I am using titan gaskets, I have already changed over to head studs, so no loosening of the sealing part is necessary.

 

hmm. Looks like the ARP stuff doesn't harden either, but I found a few leak stories... It's too late to go back now, so wish me luck on it.

 

I ended up re-torquing my headbolts using the arp stuff. NO leaks so far and about 6000 miles on motor and still perfect. I didnt get much more turn on the lower bolts but the longer ones i got about another 1/4-1/2 turn on them.

 

I'm sure it gets harder over time, but in the context of break-in and cooldown periods, I'd be surprised if the retorquing process could cause a leak. I just wouldn't back them up very far and possibley break a seal before retightening. Studs makes this less of a problem (if you use the sealer).