Hey everyone! I've spent a big chunk of today on my HG project. I thought I would share a neat trick I picked up today while watching a head gasket video. As we all know, the "90* " turn is key to the process. But how do you know assure you have done it?
By using a paint marker on the bolts at 12 O'clock when you start, you have a visual reference point:

The mark tells me exactly how far I have gone in the 90* torque down.
Really really helpful if you can only go 45* before you have to reset your wrench.

 

Usually, l mark the outside of the socket, making a mental note of where it is when l start and where it should be when done. You can't see the mark on the bolt head, once you put socket on...so it's easy to go to far or not enough. The 90° rotations should be made in one fluid movement, not start-stop.

 

In watching the video that AB does, you can do your 90* is 45* increments if needed. I had no options in certain case due to the fact the block was still in the car.

 

Instead of paint I used a felt marker. I was glad I did as my socket slipped off the bolt a time or two. It would have been impossible to know exactly where I was without the marks.

 

One fluid motion is great, but it depends on how much access you have. I've done it either way and zero issues. When using TTY bolts I also let it sit between turns, then I go back and finish after say 15-20min.