Re: [Amc-list] Torqueing head - bar torque wrench okay? (196 specific)

[Frank Swygert <farna@xxxxxxx>]

That's conventional wisdom for most engines, but doesn't work for the 196. I've tried it with "no re-torque required" head gaskets. If you don't retorque the head it will generally blow within 18-25K miles, depending on how hard it's driven and well it's taken care of. The factory recommended every year or 8,000 miles, whichever came first (with a major tune-up, minor tune-up at 4K, which is basically a check and clean, major is replacement time for plugs/points/etc.). I've run mine 10-16K miles with no problems. 

"No re-torque" generally refers to the fact that head gaskets prior to the mid 60s had to be re-torqued shortly after the engine was built. Put on heads, torque, get up to operating temp, torque again. The old gaskets would compress a lot more once hot, and the bolts stretch a little, requiring a re-torque before the engine was put in regular service. That isn't required, but it NEEDS re-torquing every couple years to prevent a blown head gasket. Something about the design and/or materials used in the old thing. 

Another convention that doesn't work on the old 196 is "no additional sealant required" head gaskets. Use a brush on shellac like "Indian Head" or a spray on copper or aluminum sealant. Don't and it will seep a noticeable amount of oil at the head to block seam. If you do coat it you'll minimize, but not get rid of, the seeping. 

I'm sure there are other old engines that the same applies to. Even though the replacement head gaskets are much better than the originals, the 196 still needs that maintenance head re-torque every couple years. Even the GEN-1 V-8s don't have that problem.

----------------
Date: Fri, 28 Mar 2008 09:43:50 -0700 (PDT)
From: Nick ALFANO <71amx@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
 
My assumption is by your post that the engine is in the car and it is either an engine with some miles on it or one that has been sitting for a while and you are thinking of re-torquing the head bolts.  If it is a fresh engine, then the type of head gasket that was used will depend on whether a re-torque procedure is necessary or not.  If you just want to do it to be sure, the procedure you listed is correct.  If it is a running engine that didn't have a head gasket issue or a reason for you to think this is needed, then sometimes it is best to leave well enough alone.

-- 
Frank Swygert
Publisher, "American Motors Cars" 
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