what is the best way of torquing headbolts so there won't be any issues ?

 

Use a torque wrench. And torque to specs following the correct sequence. Add 2-3 lbs to the final torque. Shouldn't have any problems

 

Use permatex or loctite pipe thread sealer on the threads and and a drop of motor oil under the bolt heads-use NEW bolts-the stock head bolts are 1 time use ONLY.

A better option would be 6.2 ARP head studs but they cost more.

 

All torque-to-yield head bolts are "one time use only". That doesn't stop lots of people (including myself) from using them again. I have never bought a set of headbolts, regardless of the engine or the application.

They can be reused, but use with your own liability.

 

Very poor advice when you consider the amount of work involved in a head gasket job,and the minimal expense of new bolts,heck some head gaskets come with the bolts included!

 

Alot of factors come into play when speaking of expense of head bolts, time it takes for the bolts to come in, daily driver?

If its your only vehicle, and the head gasket will be at the store in the morning vs new head bolts getting there in four days, you may not have much of an option.

I do agree that some engines (this one mainly) take a considerable amount of work to replace head gaskets and its not something you want to redo in the near future. But anywhere I have seen, when looking at head bolts, they all say "replacement recommended". "Recommended" tells me that its not required, they just want more money from you. With that being said, I have rebuilt many engines from 1.5 Honda motors to 454's, numerous 350's (including Mercruiser marine), John Deere tractor engine, 4.3 metric, in the past 15 years. The only engine, and I mean literally the only engine that I replaced head bolts on was the John Deere 3 cylinder diesel (One was snapped off). Also, I have never had to replace the head gasket(s) on any of these engines, ever. So, with that being said, I firmly believe that "recommended" means just as such and not "required".

About mentioned with this note. When I reuse head bolts, I thoroughly clean them with a wire wheel and brake parts cleaner, and always apply sealant to the threads. Always, always always. On the engines in which I have a thread tap for, I also clean block threads. So although I reuse head bolts, I do prepare the block and bolts in full before assembly.

This is a topic of long standing debate and neither side will ever win. If you want to replace head bolts every time you replace head gaskets, go for it, no one is stopping you. Someone has to keep the head bolt makers in business.

 

When chasing block threads I would say only to use a thread chaser or a worn out tap-you don't want to use a new or slightly used tap because they tend to remove material and make threads deeper/looser.

Some fastener education:
http://www.freeasestudyguides.com/a1_4.html

 

I agree completely. Never a newer slightly use tap. I have one worn out tap for sbc's and one chaser for these diesels. Very good point to mention.