[Wayne 962]

It's possible that they are just loose, but it's also possible that I'll get struck by lightning today. The odds are with the first choice, by and far.

The sound the engine will make will be a phat-phat-phat type noise, especially on acceleration. Drive / accelerate next to a brick wall, and you will hear it easily.

"who assured us it was completely rebuilt by a reputable shop." What one person may think is a reputable shop, others might think are crooks. That statement doesn't really say anything...

Check the head stud nuts in about 150 miles. If any are loose, then you better prepare for a full rebuild within 1000 miles or so. After that, check them every 500 miles or so.

Side Note: It is important to remember that you *cannot* get an accurate torque on these bolts, except during the rebuild process (and shortly after, if you use anti-seize). The torque spec is for a lubricated joint (between the nut and washer) so if you torque them to spec dry, you will be under-torqueing them due to the increased friction. Is this bad? I don't know. But it will be under-torqued. Tigthen them more perhaps? With the head-stud breakage problem, I don't recommend this. There is no one answer to this question - Bruce and I disagree on the retorque issue. I say retighten at each valve adjustment - at least if they are loose, you will get back closer to original spec.

-Wayne