Stupid stupid head gasket question
 

Hey guys, done a a few head gaskets before, but never on a V8 (mostly inline 6 and inline 4) but, in regards to this question, I dont see how it makes a difference.

My question is: I am trying to torque the headbolts, and I guess I am a bit confused. I have the pattern down, I oiled the bolts, torqued them down to 15 ft pounds, and now I cant get them to move even the first 90 degrees. Am I missing something hear? Got the AB headgasket kit, with new bolts, never ran into this before. Thoughts? Maybe I just need a breaker bar to get them tighter? Just afraid to break off the head of the bolt tightening them up.

Thanks

Did you thoroughly clean out the bolt holes before threading the bolts in? I used a breaker bar on mine to torque them the 90*.

I did clean them out. I will have to try again tomorrow and see if I can get anything else out of there.

Thanks for a real number! Everything I have seen is two 90 degree turns , wich means nothing to me. 90 is much better.

Thanks!

re: Everything I have seen is two 90 degree turns , wich means nothing to me. 90 is much better


From the RAVE:

fit bolts and tighten in the sequence shown to 20 Nm (15 lbf.ft) then turn through 90

the 2nd or "last" 90* can be almost impossible with just a standard ratchet......use a breaker bar, or , a short pipe on the end of the ratchet

You need to put a stripe of paint on each bolt to know you are turning it and how much.

Here is how to do it:

Always use the pattern:

1) 15 lbs with a torque wrench. All of them in the pattern.

2) Turn 90 degrees in the pattern. Use a long pipe on a breaker bar.

3) Turn 90 degrees again in the pattern. Use a long steel gas pipe.

See these hints:

1997 Land Rover replace catalytic converter and head gaskets

Thanks guys, got it. Sorry about my first response, a bit of drinking had me confused ;D

I just dont know what I was doing. It was so cold my mind wasnt in the right place, but I got it all together today. Thanks again!