Mermaidquest, when retorquing do not loosen first!!!! The purpose of retorquing is just that of continuing to tighten as the gasket compresses over time. When torqueing a large flat area like a head it is important to tighten it sequentially and a bit at a time. In doing so you should notice that each time around you start the nut moving at less torque than you had tightened it with, that is the gasket compressing. After a few times of torqueing at "spec" and you get no more movement your done UNTIL YOU START THE ENGINE!!
Once you have run the engine and warmed it up it will need to be torqued again as the heat and pulsing of the cylinders firing will allow for further compression of the gasket. Keep the retorquing up until you get no movement. even if it takes a few warm and cool cycles. Then the head will stay put for a good long time. Mine has been on for over 30 years now since I had it off last.
The above is the single most important reason for having lubricated and good clean studs and nuts for this purpose. Dirty, rusty or sticky studs or nuts should be replaced for proper torqueing.
Note do not apply more than spec to see if you can get one to move, just go to spec repeatedly in order and with patience.
Happy Thanksgiving to all
Dave Neptune
