Head Torque
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Head Torque
Hello, I'm working on an '87 softail.The valve cover gaskets are really leaking so I pulled the covers off and I'd like to check the head tightness. I know harley wants these tightened by the template method. However, I don't want to loosen anything. I'd rather just check to see if they are tight.Is there a set torque that I can use?.I know the '84 specs are 24-26 lb-ft. in steps. What's the diff from that year to '87?? Any help will speed up my work.
Thanks
onewayphil
Thanks
onewayphil
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Joined: Dec 2005
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From: NC USA
There are several different step torque values given by various aftermarket gasket/engine manufacturers and dealers... HD says 7-9ft/lb, 12-15ft/lb then 90 degrees. Thing is, those values are for OEM gaskets with clean threads, washers and bosses with a light coat of oil on all.
You're wanting to re-torque/check it with the parts already having "grown together" for how ever many miles and however long. In all honesty and in with your engines health in mind, I personally have to advise you don't touch them.
But to answer your question, I just did one an hour ago with new gaskets, clean threads etc and used a follow-up, dial type torque wrench starting at 7, then 9 then 90 degrees. The torque reading on the 90 degree pull was 37ft/lb.
But again, do yourself a favor and don't mess with turning those head bolts unless you tear it down and start from scratch. Otherwise you could end up with a stretched or broken stud, threads pulled out of the engine case, warped head or blown head gasket... or ALL the above.
You're wanting to re-torque/check it with the parts already having "grown together" for how ever many miles and however long. In all honesty and in with your engines health in mind, I personally have to advise you don't touch them.
But to answer your question, I just did one an hour ago with new gaskets, clean threads etc and used a follow-up, dial type torque wrench starting at 7, then 9 then 90 degrees. The torque reading on the 90 degree pull was 37ft/lb.
But again, do yourself a favor and don't mess with turning those head bolts unless you tear it down and start from scratch. Otherwise you could end up with a stretched or broken stud, threads pulled out of the engine case, warped head or blown head gasket... or ALL the above.
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Joined: May 2008
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From: South Carolina
If the head bolts are loose, you will have leakage at the base gasket and head gasket.
If you loosen them and then re-torque them, you will have leakage at the base gasket and head gasket...
I would leave the head bolts alone unless you are ready to pull the cylinders off.
If you loosen them and then re-torque them, you will have leakage at the base gasket and head gasket...
I would leave the head bolts alone unless you are ready to pull the cylinders off.
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Thanks for the info. I kinda thought that loosening the bolts was a no-no. I'll leave them alone! I forgot that they were studs all the way through and not bolts like my shovelhead.
Again, Thanks
onewayphil
Again, Thanks
onewayphil
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