The bolts that hold the heads to the block are off... now do I need to torque them down to spec? Or just tighten them myself?
Thanks guys fom the help! I need to get this done today!

 

they have to be torqued to spec and done in a certian pattern or you will blow a head gasket the min you crank it up. i dont know the specs off of the top of my head but go buy a haynes or a chiltons repair manuel and it will give you the specks. DO NOT JUST TIGHTEN THEM DOWN UNLESS YOU WANT A WARPED HEAD AND A BLOWN HEAD GASKET! GET A MANUEL AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS.

 

get some arp bolts and new head gaskets. Torque them in 3 steps to 65 ft-lbs. starting from the center and spiraling out. I usually go 22, 44, 66, to make it easy. Get a chiltons manual if you want the exact pattern for torquing them, but, it's basically a spiral starting from the center bolt.

 

Hope you don't take this the wrong way, but do NOT reuse the head bolts. They will not torque correctly, and you will be doing this again. Always replace head bolts. Again don't mean to come across the wrong way, but don't want you to waste your time and money also.

later

Andy Schuck
94 T/A slp ypipe, hooker catback, taylor wires, k&n cai, more to come.

 

I do it the same way as above. But on the final TQ I tighten and loosen the bolt I am working on three time so I get a consistant TQ. I have read that in a magazine some time ago. That is why I do it. And I will tell uou it makes a difference on how far you can tq the bold. Also by doing that after the motor has heated up I have checked the tq and they are still where they need to be.
I have never had a problem with a head gasket even with the spray.

Anyone disagree with me? Or do this themselves?

 

Well, the spray is what got me. I'll take your word for it
I have the numbers, 25-45-65.. thanks guys..
...too bad there isnt a site that tells us everything a chiltons would.

 

Also you should chase the block threads to clean the old sealant out, apply some lube under the head of the bolts and apply teflon sealant to the threads of the new bolts. These steps will prevent under torquing of the bolts and keep coolant from leaking into the top of the heads.

 

Another question, what to look for in case of damage? What do damaged/healthy heads look like?
Also, my head gasket broke so this is why I'm asking.