Motorcycle Repair: head gasket, broken studs, head gasket

Question
Wayne I've had trouble sealing the head gasket on a 1975 Honda 750/4 sohc.Was not seal when I brought it and have tried  a few times,changed the head and barrels which I had machined, cleaned with contact cleaner, new head gasket tighten down to 14 ft pd and still no luck  When I start it up no smoke from exhaust and after awhile oil leaks from gasket.What would be the most I can pull down the head Thanks Walter

Answer
Walter,
this is common with the SOHC fours.
Torque is not always the answer,
as the problem is more related to
the engine oil passages that go up
the head studs to the camshaft.
The "O" rings gradually shrink
from the heat and oil and start
leaking. This coupled with head
warping seems to keep them leaking.
You can try coating the gasket with
something like "gaskacinch"
or whatever it's called.
Make sure the O-rings are new and head
is straight/flat.
Torque is mainly dictated by the bolt sizes.
6mm bolt = 6-9 ft/lbs.
8mm bolt = 12-16 ft/lbs.
10mm bolt = 20-23 ft/lbs.
Much above this may result in broken studs/bolts.