Head bolt over torque
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 21,116
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From: Poolville
I've reused many MLS head gaskets even with over 1000 miles on them. Just need to copper coat them with Permatex Copper Coat Spray.
Yours being brand new, if MLS, will not be an issue to loosen and retorque properly.
Yours being brand new, if MLS, will not be an issue to loosen and retorque properly.
Club Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 5,816
Likes: 7,847
From: SE Louisiana
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 5,071
Likes: 1,006
the torque+angle came about as gasket technology improved and as newer engine designs came about. the days of olden, most everything was over-kill and torque to yield was the thing. nowday, everything is engineered, good or bad, hummmmm?!?
today to save weight, the torque+angle solves some issues like reducing the amount of fasteners to get the job done.
the angle part is most important because unlike torque, NOT friction originated. the fastener is preloaded via a torque value and friction is the key and it varies upon several things like lube, fastener material and quality of the threading and more importantly the yahoo turning the wrench. as you found out, human error is a difficult thing to control especially with the diff torque tools. offshore when precision was needed, was done with hydraulics.
the angle of the dangle is easier to control. since friction is out the door, final setting is more accurate as far as clamping forces through out the assy.
did your gasket have a crush ring? if so, then it is a crap shoot, but if not then you can get away with a re-torque. matter of fact, some assy require such action before final setting.
remember, bird in hand rule. if in doubt, do it right while everything is accessible, better than a tear down later on.
today to save weight, the torque+angle solves some issues like reducing the amount of fasteners to get the job done.
the angle part is most important because unlike torque, NOT friction originated. the fastener is preloaded via a torque value and friction is the key and it varies upon several things like lube, fastener material and quality of the threading and more importantly the yahoo turning the wrench. as you found out, human error is a difficult thing to control especially with the diff torque tools. offshore when precision was needed, was done with hydraulics.
the angle of the dangle is easier to control. since friction is out the door, final setting is more accurate as far as clamping forces through out the assy.
did your gasket have a crush ring? if so, then it is a crap shoot, but if not then you can get away with a re-torque. matter of fact, some assy require such action before final setting.
remember, bird in hand rule. if in doubt, do it right while everything is accessible, better than a tear down later on.
Club Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 5,816
Likes: 7,847
From: SE Louisiana
I set the torque wrench at 38 - 40 ftlbs when doing the 1/4 turn on stock gaskets, I want it to click at or near the end of the rotation.
On MLS gaskets, I mark the bolts at the 14 ftlb step, when you get to the final 42 ftlbs step, the marks should all end up very close to the same rotation, usually a little over 1/4 turn on those.
It helps to detect if there's a problem with a bolt or stud using either method.
On MLS gaskets, I mark the bolts at the 14 ftlb step, when you get to the final 42 ftlbs step, the marks should all end up very close to the same rotation, usually a little over 1/4 turn on those.
It helps to detect if there's a problem with a bolt or stud using either method.
You are seriously under-torqued at 22. I have built hundreds of these and regularly did the initial two torques, then 35, loosen and redo to second 15-17 and then the 90 degree. This is great for setting the gaskets - especially OEM style composite. Final torque after the 90 degree turn is in the 40 range. Just loosen it so you can torque to the 15-17 and do the final 90 degree turns.
Last edited by Ed Ramberger; Jan 20, 2025 at 07:31 PM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,727
Likes: 3,072
From: Brighton, MI
Hylomar works also...
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