RE: [alfa] coolant loss on retorquing

["Brian Shorey" <bshorey@xxxxxxxxx>]

> It's not unusual for this to happen when retorquing.  The 
> cooling system can retain pressure for a long time (my BMW 
> will retain pressure overnight), even when the car has cooled 
> a lot.  Also, the level of water in the radiator tank is 
> higher than the head studs, so it can just flow downhill when 
> you loosen the head nut.  If I remember right, Fred DiMatteo 
> used to counsel pinching the top radiator hose closed 
> beforehand to prevent this.

Close.  Fred recommended that you remove the radiator cap to relieve
pressure, then pinch the hose, then replace the cap, then let go of the
hose.  That will leave a little vacuum in the system, at least enough to
prevent seepage while you're torquing the head nuts.

bs
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