Head Gasket Question

[Tom77]

Hi there!
I was reading the instructions that came with Victor Reinz gasket part #61-25375-20 and the torque procedure are somewhat different.

40 Nm = 30 lb
60 Nm = 44 lb
90 Nm = 66 lb
Heat cycle
90 Nm = 66 lb
After 621 miles
90 Nm = 66 lb (eng. cold)

My question is if I got the wrong gasket (says that's for 1.6 D) or I just install it using this procedure or use the angle torque one?
Also says whenever retorquing is necessary, first loosen each bolt by giving it a 1/4 turn, then tighten to the required torque.
This does not apply for angle-controlled-tightening.
The car is a 82 VW Rabbit NA.

[Rabbit on Roids]

ok, are you working on an 11mm or 12mm engine? stretch bolts or non stretch bolts? cause there are different torque sequences.. your engine *SHOULD* be an 11mm engine, since its an 82, that is if its never been swapped out.. and it *probably* has 11mm non stretch bolts. those have a straight torque sequence. the stretch bolts are the ones that take xx ft lbs, and then 2 quarter turns.. gotta figure out what your hardware is before we can tell you how to torque it.

[Baron VonZeppelin]

And to add more, "some" 82's were 12mm.

Notice how we try not to make it seem like its carved in stone - because there are variables/variations to be considered.

Measure the thickness of your old headbolts.
12mm are the stretch type, and are not to be re-used. You'd need to get new ones before proceeding.

If the headbolts are 6 point allen head - they are definitely 11mm.
If they are 12 point triplesquare - sometimes it can be 11 or 12.

There is also a sequence as to which bolt gets torqued 1st 2nd 3rd etc... and so on. But the paper probably has that info listed.

We're just trying to keep you in the safe zone.

[Tom77]

Thanks for the replies.

It's 12 mm stretch bolts, I bought the bolts already.
There's a drawing of the 12 point bolt, top view, where the procedure for this specific torque is.
The instructions that came, list all the gasket reference numbers, and how to toque each one, is folded like a map, so long it is, and I noticed that for some gaskets # they have the xx ft lbs plus the angle torque, using the same kind of bolt, but not for this gasket...

[Baron VonZeppelin]

Those papers can get pretty generic and/or leave gaps in the full disclosure.

If all the holes correspond, and the headbolts will go through the headbolt holes, you got the right style gasket. Carefully and mindfully check for top side and hole alignments. Also be mindful when doing the final installation of gasket and not get it flipped at the last moment.

There is a difference in selections on thickness, as you probably have already discovered when ordering it. Its highly recommended to measure the piston protrusion and cross reference to the thickness chart. But most times folks have little choice but to buy the same as what came off the engine beforehand.

You'll want to use the angle proceedure listed.

Can also cut the heads off a couple of the old bolts - grind a slot in top for a flat blade screwdriver - and use them as gasket and head installation dowels/guides.

Best of good luck to you.

[Tom77]

Thanks, I couldn't agree with you more...
I forgot about the Fine Print:
"Gasket should be installed according to engine manufacturer's instructions. The above REINZ recommendations have been issued as of December 2007, any warranties excluded. Priors editions are obsolete."
Is today's gaskets better than the ones in 1982?
My main concern is to damage the gasket with all that angle torque.

[Baron VonZeppelin]

Is today's gaskets better than the ones in 1982?
My main concern is to damage the gasket with all that angle torque.

Everything gasket and seal wise is supposed to be superior today.
Vic R is a trusted brand.

They've been doing the angle torque proceedure on these for decades now. Its not going to hurt the gasket, but you'll probably feel like you're gonna snap a bolt. Just do it. It gets done everyday out there.

The only alternative is to buy ARP headstuds and torque using old familiar style ft.lb. increments.