[Duntov]

Finally I don't feel like I'm the only guy who considers all this and acts on it.

Great forum.

[cusz28]

Originally Posted by Silverback

My brother has had one of his back tires pass him going down the street, turn left into a neighborhood hit the edging around one of the houses garden and go in through a front window landing about a foot away from someone sitting there watching TV...

SEE! The one time you don't do it, it happens. GOD I hate carma. Good point though, thanks for bringing it up. The chance, no matter how infantecimal, for a head (or rim in this case) to loose it's fastener's retention is there, but most people either do not fall into the category to neccesitate retorquing, or it doesn't matter due to application, fastener, head material, etc. Some people do fall into the category, and for them, it sucks to see them cut corners and have something catastrophic happen. I've always stuck to: TTY, torque once. NON-TTY, torque and check.

[Silverback]

Originally Posted by Duntov

Exactly Silverback!

I'm sure a whole lot of people were waiting to hear that said, because it's been true for fifty years.
That's why we use the PTFE pipe dope from a professional plumbing supply outfit. Learned it from a hydraulics engineer in the Eighties. It acts like a medium grease on first torque. to 65 ftlbs. but will hold 3500 psi of hot hydraulic fluid, on a half inch pipe thread.backhoes ect.

What PTFE dope do you usually use? I used to swear by the stuff but the last few years I've had notoriously bad luck with any of the ones that I can get easily over the counter... I would love to find something that I can trust again.

Secondly, do you guys use something different on cars with O2 sensors? As far as I can tell, no PTFE pipe dope is "sensor safe."

It seems like i try something different on my own stuff every time, and if it's someone else's it's usually whatever they want or sensor safe RTV (which I hate if you have to mess with it later)

[cusz28]

I use something at work called Torque-Lok pipe sealant with ptfe. It comes in a squeese tube with an end like an elmers glue bottle. It works really well, but I don't know if it's sensor safe.

[Duntov]

Originally Posted by Silverback

What PTFE dope do you usually use? I used to swear by the stuff but the last few years I've had notoriously bad luck with any of the ones that I can get easily over the counter... I would love to find something that I can trust again.

Secondly, do you guys use something different on cars with O2 sensors? As far as I can tell, no PTFE pipe dope is "sensor safe."

It seems like i try something different on my own stuff every time, and if it's someone else's it's usually whatever they want or sensor safe RTV (which I hate if you have to mess with it later)

I've been having a heck of a time getting the good stuff. Seems like all of it is runny and inconsistent for a couple of years. We have about four cans in the engine room and some on the paint shelf. we leave the lids loose half off on the ones we don't like and after a while you get a really good one for several engines and then you have to go to another "seasoned can".. I hate to admit that to the world but it seems the truth goes a long way here abouts. I'll check the brand name on the one good can we have in the clean room. Post tomorrow night. Duntov

[V8 Super Beetle]

I use ARP teflon sealer on the head bolts that go into the water passages. Works like a champ.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ARP-100-9904/

[cobalt327]

Originally Posted by Duntov

it's getting down to the details

So, where the heck is TI.

Or ap72, for that matter.

One thing's for sure- I'm VERY surprised at the number that have faith in not retorquing- EVER.

I don't like the fact that after you vote you can't see who else voted and what they voted for.

[automotive breath]

Originally Posted by cobalt327

I don't like the fact that after you vote you can't see who else voted and what they voted for.

you are absolutly right, an open poll should be open to those that voted

YES: Always retorque regardless of gasket tech info
a1supersport, cobalt327, cusz28, DOCTOR DC, Duntov, ericnova72, pepi, WDCreech
8 36.36%


No: Never Rettorque a head gasket
4speed57, AndersonRacing44, curtis73, GMC boogie, Jake_Dragon, MouseFink, OLNOLAN, V8 Super Beetle
8 36.36%


MAYBE: Depends on gasket manufacturers' instructions
Adam65, airboat, bigdog7373, chevyv8_power, ERacerX, Plaintoast
6 27.27%

[a1supersport]

Naw you just have to click on the number...it'll show.

P.S. I'm surprised no one uses the thread sealer I use. Oh well...it's a secret anyway...HAH!!

[Duntov]

Originally Posted by a1supersport

Naw you just have to click on the number...it'll show.

P.S. I'm surprised no one uses the thread sealer I use. Oh well...it's a secret anyway...HAH!!

Not gonna tell us?

[Duntov]

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 8 (1 members and 7 guests)

Some of you watcher guys sign up and tell us how to retorque a v8..........
Plus there's a thread just over the way where a guy is looking for a lost nut.

[a1supersport]

Originally Posted by Duntov

Not gonna tell us?

Okay. Tell you what...multiple choice:

1. "Just put spit...YEAH!!!"
2. Bubble Gum
3. Two-part epoxy (well, at least the bolts won't come loose...EVER)
4. Red or Blue RTV (if they had White...you could use all three. All-American engine)
5. Ear wax (and when you run out of ear wax...use boogers)
6. Grease (hey, it's a water repellent...)
7. Sugar (the heat will caramelize it...right?)
8. Talcum powder (so you don't chafe your bolts)

[Duntov]

Originally Posted by a1supersport

Okay. Tell you what...multiple choice:

1. "Just put spit...YEAH!!!"
2. Bubble Gum
3. Two-part epoxy (well, at least the bolts won't come loose...EVER)
4. Red or Blue RTV (if they had White...you could use all three. All-American engine)
5. Ear wax (and when you run out of ear wax...use boogers)
6. Grease (hey, it's a water repellent...)
7. Sugar (the heat will caramelize it...right?)
8. Talcum powder (so you don't chafe your bolts)

Yours is a well kept secret; but we're gonna keep an eye on you.

I was, but should not have been, surprised at how many people were using some form, or brand of PTFE paste or dope. And they're not all re-torquers.

Anyone know that the newer dart blocks aren't bored into the jacket? Still cost too much while 0010s are around though. At least for the HP we mostly build to.

[Deeavi]

Never have re-torqued with the modern gaskets. I am considerring doing it on my current build because motor will be under boost after getting some miles on it. Also Tony Mamo from AFR says that he always does it. That is enough to convince me to do it this time.

[Duntov]

Originally Posted by Deeavi

Never have re-torqued with the modern gaskets. I am considering doing it on my current build because motor will be under boost after getting some miles on it. Also Tony Mamo from AFR says that he always does it. That is enough to convince me to do it this time.

I figure it doesn't cost me anything at any time I do it; The extra time of course, but the peace of mind is well worth it to me. Besides we aren't adding torque are we? Aren't we just checking to be sure it is still holding the torque we were intending according to the specs? Book says 65 or 70 so I think they want it to be there next month also....... Actually never had a failure from not re-torquing but in 40 years you couldn't believe how many customer engines came in loose and leaking...