Just got my Cometic top end gasket kit via UPS with the metal MLS head gasket. The instructions that came with the kit say to torque the head bolts to 42 ft. lbs. The Harley shop manual recommends 16 ft. lbs plus 1/4 turn. Anyone know why the Cometic gasket has to be torqued so much more. I would hate to pull another stud out of the case.

 

cometic gaskets -> cometic instructions. same with James. Cant say whether or not that'll pull a stud (my bike has the newer style "shouldered" studs, which are apparently much less prone to bottoming out / pulling out)


16ft lb's + 1/4 turn is going to be (i'm guessing) at least 46lbs.

the James instructions:

For each cylinder head, start with head bolt numbered one. In increasing number sequence (1-2-3-4), tighten the head bolt in four stages.

1. Tighten each bolt to 7-9 foot pounds of torque.

2. Tighten each bolt to 12-15 foot pounds of torque.

3, Tighten each bolt to 22-25 foot pounds of torque.

4, Tighten each bolt to 38-42 foot pounds of torque.

 

+1
This is correct. And I think it is about 46 lbs when quarter turned.

 

I agree. Used Cometic on my last build - torque in sequence to their, Cometic, specs no extra 1/4 turn.