Re-tensioning an RB HEad

[adam 32]

hey guys

ive got all the torque settings for the RB20 head, and ive done all 5 stages. but its about 2 weeks later and i need to re-tension it... do i simply make sure it is tensioned to the final stage tension?

the reason im doing this is bcos im getting air bubbles in the coolant and thinking the gasket may be leaking...

thanks for the help

adam

[adam 32]

someone must know this

[Steve]

Please excuse my ignorance, but why would air bubbles in the coolant indicate head gasket? I though that was oil in the coolant?

[Sydneykid]

Hi adam 32, you asked "do i simply make sure it is tensioned to the final stage tension?"

We usually do the last 2 steps, that's 4 and 5.

Hope that helps

PS; did you bleed the air out of the system with the relief on the top front of the inlet manifold?

[adam 32]

if the gasket is leaking, then exhaust gases will run through the coolant. this is the basis for the testing mechanisms most workshops use

sydneykid; i did yeh. i only bled it for about 15-20mins so theres a chance its just in the system (hopefully)

so in my case i would knock it back to 22ftlbs then tighten to 75ftlbs?

[Steve]

Thanks Adam:)

[Sydneykid]

Hi adam 32, we bleed them sometimes 2 or 3 times, to get all the air out. Let it cool down and do it again.

When retensioning, I like to sneak up on it, so we go 45 lbs first, then 60 lbs and then 75 lbs. I don't like backing them off, some people do.

Hope that helps.

[adam 32]

thanks sydneykid - ur input to this forum is always spot on if u were in my state id owe ya a few beers by now

no worries steve mate