What are the signs that your head bolts may be loose?

 

Depends how loose.
If its just not torqued down enough, there may be no obvious signs until you blow a head gasket.
Then you may have one or more of the following symptoms.
Water in your oil, low compression, won't run at all, consuming water.

 

Im asking because recently put on the 351 big bore kit. Ran it for 30 minutes and retorqued the bolts. One of the bolts sliped to 30 while i was torqing it down they are supposed to be at 35. I gave the bolt another try, It did not slip again and i was able to get it back to 35. Then i steped it up to 37(recomended by someone) and thats where i kept it. Im wondering if the thread got messed up and something might get fubar.

 

Its probably OK.
I guess your choice is to pull the bolt in question and check the thread.
I would be tempted to leave it and keep an eye on water level and oil condition.
First sign of milky oil or dropping water level, pull the head and check it out.

Could be a heli coil job.

 

Hey thanks alot man

 

IMO worst case is a blown head gasket.
As long as your onto it straight away, there shouldn't be any more serious damage.
But, the moment you notice water loss, fix it.
Keeping on riding and topping up the water is flirting with something more serious.

 

How do i check water levels?

 

look in your radiator or coolant reserve tank. Your oil will get milky too. Look in the site window. IF you see any white or tan milky **** in there you have a problem.

 

Thanks brother