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Car Forum / Driving, Maintenance, Tuning / Maintenance and Repair / March 2006

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How to read head bolt tightening specs?????

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Ben Martin - 28 Mar 2006 22:33 GMT
I obtained the "Cylinder Head Assembly Specifications" for a BMW 325 that is
leaking oil through the head gasket

They are:

Step#1 - 22 ft-lb
Step #2 - Torque angle 90 degrees
Step #3 - Torque angle 90 degrees

The proper tightening sequence is also provided.

I have 3 questions:

Q.1. - Since these specs are for assembly, it would mean (I guess) that a
new gasket is being used.  And this might mean that the specs are not really
applicable to my situation since the gasket I have has been in service for a
long time.  Or it might be that these specs only apply to a situation where
the head is completely dissassembled. Does anyone know?????????

Q.2. -  I would guess that what the specs say is that every head bolt is
tightend in the proper sequence to 22 ft-lb, then 2 more sequences are
performed where a quarter turn is applied to each bolt.  Is that what the
specs are saying????????

Q.3.  Heck-  what if I just tighten the bolts uniformly in the proper
sequence in an effort to stop the leak????????  Would there be any great
harm in that?????

Thanks in advance.

All responses are appreciated.

- Ben
Comboverfish - 28 Mar 2006 23:07 GMT
> I obtained the "Cylinder Head Assembly Specifications" for a BMW 325 that is
> leaking oil through the head gasket
[quoted text clipped - 14 lines]
> long time.  Or it might be that these specs only apply to a situation where
> the head is completely dissassembled. Does anyone know?????????

You are to bolt down the head using that procedure and specs no matter
what the situation.

> Q.2. -  I would guess that what the specs say is that every head bolt is
> tightend in the proper sequence to 22 ft-lb, then 2 more sequences are
> performed where a quarter turn is applied to each bolt.  Is that what the
> specs are saying????????

That is correct.  It's also known as a "torque to yield" method.  The
bolts are designed with a certain amount of spring or 'stretch'
specifically for this application.

> Q.3.  Heck-  what if I just tighten the bolts uniformly in the proper
> sequence in an effort to stop the leak????????  Would there be any great
> harm in that?????

There would be if BMW says the bolts must be replaced after each use.
Many torque to yield designs require new bolts every time they are
removed from the engine.  Chances are, if your bolts *are* actually too
loose, then head gasket damage has already occurred
from improper clamping force between head and block.  You may as well
change the head gasket in this case, or expect the oil leak to
continue.

Toyota MDT in MO
Mike - 28 Mar 2006 23:18 GMT
>I obtained the "Cylinder Head Assembly Specifications" for a BMW 325 that
>is
[quoted text clipped - 18 lines]
> where
> the head is completely dissassembled. Does anyone know?????????

 If a new gasket was used it may compress just a liitle bit more than a
used gasket would. I don't think that it would drastictly effect the torque.

> Q.2. -  I would guess that what the specs say is that every head bolt is
> tightend in the proper sequence to 22 ft-lb, then 2 more sequences are
> performed where a quarter turn is applied to each bolt.  Is that what the
> specs are saying????????

  Correct.

> Q.3.  Heck-  what if I just tighten the bolts uniformly in the proper
> sequence in an effort to stop the leak????????  Would there be any great
> harm in that?????

  Nope. Just as long as you realize that a retorque might not stop the
leak. Are the head bolts loose ?  Replacing the gasket would be a better
idea if the car is driven much.

> Thanks in advance.
>
> All responses are appreciated.
>
> - Ben
Bob - 29 Mar 2006 04:49 GMT
>I obtained the "Cylinder Head Assembly Specifications" for a BMW 325 that
>is
[quoted text clipped - 18 lines]
> where
> the head is completely dissassembled. Does anyone know?????????

Yes, those specs are for heads being installed with new gaskets.

> Q.2. -  I would guess that what the specs say is that every head bolt is
> tightend in the proper sequence to 22 ft-lb, then 2 more sequences are
> performed where a quarter turn is applied to each bolt.  Is that what the
> specs are saying????????

Right

> Q.3.  Heck-  what if I just tighten the bolts uniformly in the proper
> sequence in an effort to stop the leak????????  Would there be any great
> harm in that?????

You will only make your problems worse by attempting that.

> Thanks in advance.
>
> All responses are appreciated.
>
> - Ben

You would be best served by stating your exact problem along with the year
and engine size of your car. I assume you are dripping oil... where about is
it coming from?
jfrancis311@gmail.com - 29 Mar 2006 22:29 GMT
If the head is leaking, it needs to come off and be checked. You can't
retorque these heads. The bolts are torque to yield bolts. They need to
be replaced after you do the repair. They can't be reused. When they
are torqued, they are designed to strech. After they stretch, they
can't be used again.
 
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