Re-torque or would I Be a Dork? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Carpenterman · #1 12-29-2013, 07:50 PM

I was wondering what the collective wisdom is on re-torquing the head on a 617. My car has 310k and shows no symptoms of a bad head gasket, but am wondered whether it would be good housekeeping to re-torque during my next valve adjustment.

Or should I just let sleeping dogs lie.

engatwork · #2 12-29-2013, 07:51 PM

Leave it alone.

Aquaticedge · #3 12-29-2013, 09:07 PM

'if it aint broke, Dont fix it'

Skippy · #4 12-30-2013, 05:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aquaticedge

'if it aint broke, Dont fix it'

THIS

oldsinner111 · #5 12-30-2013, 07:35 AM

I think mercedes should have done all engines at 12,000 miles like most carmakers use to do.you'll likely start leaks but I wouldn't be surprised if they were all loose.My intake manifold was,I had to tighten all the bolts.I had a dream my turbo was shaking,and that morning I went to check them,they all took 1 1/2 turns to tighten

barry12345 · #6 12-30-2013, 10:52 PM

They are stretch bolts so you could actually weaken them by going further.

I believe most head gasket failures are they just rot with age. Or you seriously overheat the engine and warp the head somewhat.

Stretch · #7 12-31-2013, 01:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by barry12345

They are stretch bolts so you could actually weaken them by going further.

I believe most head gasket failures are they just rot with age. Or you seriously overheat the engine and warp the head somewhat.

X what ever - leave 'em alone!

pawoSD · #8 12-31-2013, 02:50 PM

If they were meant to be checked or re-torqued MB would have stated such in their documentation.

Mines at 321k with no (serious) leaks or any issues at all. Pretty good I'd say.

Its been handing the 10-20F weather here no problem too, starter is 11+ years old, battery is 7 years old....still fires right up. Glow plugs are about 3-4 years old at this point...none have failed in a long time.

Simpler=Better · #9 12-31-2013, 03:01 PM

Leave the 12pt head bolts alone.

Do snug up any loose manifold/accessory bolts.

whunter · #10 12-31-2013, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carpenterman

I was wondering what the collective wisdom is on re-torquing the head on a 617. My car has 310k and shows no symptoms of a bad head gasket, but am wondered whether it would be good housekeeping to re-torque during my next valve adjustment.

Or should I just let sleeping dogs lie.

I have three vehicles waiting to come in, because the owners re-torqued the bolts and had instant gasket failure.

Replace the cylinder head gasket or leave the bolts alone.

.

ROLLGUY · #11 12-31-2013, 03:23 PM

Agreed across the board. You would be a Dork if you were to re-torque (please don't take offense, you asked the question)

Dan Stokes · #12 12-31-2013, 05:42 PM

I'll have to agree - leave 'em alone. However, you MIGHT be a Dork - those two are not necessarily related. Of course, you might not be - different topic!

Dan

Carpenterman · #13 01-01-2014, 10:51 AM

Well, the verdict is in. I'll leave 'em alone.

However, with regard to being a dork, just ask my daughters who shake their heads at my Benz obsession.

Stretch · #14 01-01-2014, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carpenterman

...
However, with regard to being a dork, just ask my daughters who shake their heads at my Benz obsession.

What do they drive?

Haven't they heard the song?

ROLLGUY · #15 01-01-2014, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carpenterman

Well, the verdict is in. I'll leave 'em alone.

However, with regard to being a dork, just ask my daughters who shake their heads at my Benz obsession.

Being a dork from having a 'Benz obsession could be construed as being a complement!