Re: [T3] Head re-torquing (was fan pulling)

[Jim Adney <jadney@vwtype3.org>]

On 28 Apr 2003 at 16:25, Mark Seaton wrote:

> Talking of head re-torquing, is it feasible to re-torque the upper head nuts
> without removing the engine? Its been quite a while since I had the engine out
> and I can't picture whats involved- I'm guessing removing the carb and manifold
> and the upper tin. Is this possible and whats involved?

It is certainly possible, but I don't think VW ever recommended retorquing the 
heads. In my opinion, if everything was done right the first time it should 
never be necessary.

I THINK retorquing is a practice that came with more typical engines which 
actually used head gaskets which would crush a bit and then possibly relax. I 
seem to remember that in recent decades those head gaskets have been improved 
to the extent that even those cars no longer need it.  

There is ONE advantage to just retorquing the lower studs: It lets you check 
the general health of things. If the lower studs are fine then chances are that 
all of them are fine. If the lower ones are spotty, then you might want to pull 
the engine and re-do all of them. If one of them won't hold torque and pulls 
out then you know that now, too. Fortunately, it's ALWAYS the lower ones that 
pull out.

If you're worried about this, adjust the valves and do a compression test 
first.  

-- 
*******************************
Jim Adney, jadney@vwtype3.org
Madison, Wisconsin, USA
*******************************

-------------------------------------------------------------------
List info at http://www.vwtype3.org/list | mailto:gregm@vwtype3.org