TR-3A - Loose head bolts; combustion gasses in cooling system

[John Cowan <jfcowan@earthlink.net>]

After finding combustion gasses bubbling up at the radiator cap above 1500
RPM, I checked the torque on one head bolt.  It was between 80 and 90 foot
pounds instead of 105.  

Would it be worth retorquing the head, putting the rocker arm and the carbs
back on, regapping the valves and seeing if the problem is cured?

Or would it just be better to take off the manifolds, remove the head and
replace the head gasket?

Taking off the manifolds looks straighforward, except for the joint where
the exhaust manifold and the exhaust pipe meet.  Does anyone know if there
are any pitfalls in this operation?

Thanks.

John Cowan

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