Head Bolt Question
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 6,185
Likes: 2,134
From: W. Texas
Once upon a time, before modern gasket technology, (I showing my age here) whenever you installed head gaskets...you were suppose to run the motor through several heat cycles and then re-torque the heads...I even remember when the modern gaskets first came out...they said "no re-torque required" on the package.
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umm mid 60's or earlier ?? I can remember being taught to retorgue after heat cycle or two,barley remember on what tho
WP
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 7,736
Likes: 1,524
From: Coromandel Peninsula New Zealand
That was in the days of copper head gaskets and cast iron heads. Modern composite gaskets DO NOT NEED RE-TORQUING and if the bolts lose torque then you got other problems to fix.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,199
Likes: 3,087
From: NW AR
I re-torque headbolts when I build a motor. Not a HD motor, because you have to pull the rocker boxes, etc., to do it right, but on other motors. I run them a few times, maybe up to 10 heat cycles, then retorque one bolt at a time in the proper sequence.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 7,736
Likes: 1,524
From: Coromandel Peninsula New Zealand
Then you are wasting your time my friend and if they are angle-tightened headbolts you are risking bolt failure.
Things are designed to be assembled like they should be done...no point buying a factory manual and then making your own **** up instead...
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 141
Likes: 19
From: Evo-ville, Iowa
Thanks for the info guys. I think since I love this evo so much, I am going to pull the rocker box & bolts and re-torque them properly. I think they just weren't installed with the right torque specs. The gaskets from last summer were a complete set of James.
Here is that air cleaner by the way.
http://www.jpcycles.com/product/505-190
Here is that air cleaner by the way.
http://www.jpcycles.com/product/505-190
Last edited by Panheader; Apr 18, 2016 at 09:29 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 7,736
Likes: 1,524
From: Coromandel Peninsula New Zealand
Well of course but your post was misleading....as it implied you did it ad hoc...you gotta be careful what you say on forums because folk will follow your example!!!!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 6,570
Likes: 590
From: almost there
Heard tell of cylinder studs being put in upside down and causing problems even from the factory. Last build I put in S&S cyl studs and head bolts to make sure everything was done right. S&S make purty head bolts. Engine still tight and running strong.
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