cylinder head bolts

[*b_woolery]

#12339: cylinder head bolts Author: b_woolery, Posted: 27 Oct 2003 10:47 pm
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I am replacing the cylinder head on my 93 cavalier 2.2 eng. with 87k miles on it. I was wondering if it would be a good idea to replace the head bolts too. The car was never over heated, just started losing antifreeze around a couple head bolts. When I removed the bolts, 3 of them were snug, not torqued. But I havehad the head checked over too.

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#12347: Author: Wgoodrich, Location: Indiana Posted: 27 Oct 2003 11:30 pm
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I have never replaced head bolts and have had no problems for not replacing them. Just be sure to torque them properly in the secquence explained in your motor manual. Torque patter varies per head type.

Just my opinion

Wg

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#12366: head bolts Author: b_woolery, Posted: 28 Oct 2003 01:35 pm
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Do you think that the torque angle could be the problem of a leaking head gasket at the rear of the 2.2 engine on a 92 cavalier. I have replaced the head gasket twice and checked the flatness of the head also. But I never put an angle meter on the bolts. That is why I asked about replacing the bolts on the 93, 2.2 eng.

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#12368: Author: Wgoodrich, Location: Indiana Posted: 28 Oct 2003 03:06 pm
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In my opinion your repetitive problem with gaskets leaking is more simple than you are making it out to be.

Remember there is expansion and contraction when heating and cooling a product.

If I were you I would use the normally suggested torquing proceedures per the manual. Considering sequencing and foot pounds recommended.

Then I would send the car on the street rescheduling a check up about 2 weeks later after heating and cooling of normal used of that engine. Then during the 2 week check up I would retorque those head bolts again.

Wait about a month and again retorque the head bolts again.

If you find the torque loosening after the second check up then retorque again using lock tite to keep the bolts from coming loose during use. Only do the lock tite if the bolts continue to loosen.

Remember you found head bolts loose in your last repair. This I am suspecting to be your problem. Head bolts loosening during used tends to be inherent with aluminum heads in my experience.

Do not over tighten. Just check and recheck for a track record of loosening of head bolts. A good grade of lock tight on the threads but only if needed should do the trick.

Just my thoughts

Wg

[jmerritt]

Are those headbolts torque to yield? If they are they are supposed to be replaced each time they are removed. If not, then I suspect you have either a problem getting them torqued properly or as you might suspect the decking surface of the block and/or head isn't true causing the bolts to not tighten uniformly onto the head surface. :)

[JCC]

Most aluminium heads use the torque and angle to eliminate the loosning inherent in the mismatch of metals. These are usually single use bolts. On the ford 3.8 essex V-6 the head bolts are torqued in 3 steps then each bolt individually, is backed out to zero torque, then torqued lightly then tightened an additional 90 degrees. If you try to reuse them they either break or the head gaskets don't hold. What does the repair manuel or a mechanic say. This type does not need retorquing, but given the history it wouldn't be a bad idea. Although with the final tightning by degrees there is no torque value to check for other than being tight.