Torquing Head Bolts/Other

Twister · Nov 25, 2011

Misc Sensor/Alt Bracket.

Ok so i am close to putting on my new heads, i just got a question about torquing bolts.

In the tech library this is the sequence for the head bolts,

1. Torque to 22 ft-lb
2. Torque to 51-55 ft-lb
3. Wait 5 Minutes
4. Turn all bolts 90 degress

So when it says to torque to 51-55 ft-lb, does that mean to torque to 51, then 52, then 53, then 54, then 55. Or does it mean to torque it to any number between 51 and 55?

The torque sequence for the lower and upper intake, and rocker arms have the same number system. I just don't wanna break new heads.

Thanks

85_Ranger4x4 · Nov 25, 2011

Any number between, it is a range.

You did get new headbolts right?

Twister · Nov 26, 2011

85_Ranger4x4 said:
Any number between, it is a range.

You did get new headbolts right?

Awesome, i didnt think it was going to each number but i wanted to make sure.

Yes i bought new Felpro ones, and a whole top end gasket set.

Twister · Nov 27, 2011

Another thing, do i need to reset valve lash, or will the setting still be the same when i re install the rocker arms?

adsm08 · Nov 27, 2011

That will depend on which engine we are talking about.

A 2.8 will def need set.

A 2.9 has hydraulic lifters that are supposed to be "self-adjusting" and should take up the slack. There is an adjustment procedure that I think it supposed to get used when the heads are off to check and make sure it's in spec.

Twister · Nov 28, 2011

adsm08 said:
That will depend on which engine we are talking about.

A 2.8 will def need set.

A 2.9 has hydraulic lifters that are supposed to be "self-adjusting" and should take up the slack. There is an adjustment procedure that I think it supposed to get used when the heads are off to check and make sure it's in spec.

It is on a 2.9L, guess i should have been more specific.

brinker88 · Nov 28, 2011

2. is start tightening from the middle then go out, opposit sides at two differnt torque settings. A Haynes manual is great for finding these torque settings.

FYI, I have had a set of FelPro head bolts FAIL on me within a year of installing them (CORRECTLY INSTALLING THEM).

For the couple extra bucks, I would go with OE motorcraft.

Twister · Nov 28, 2011

brinker88 said:
2. is start tightening from the middle then go out, opposit sides at two differnt torque settings. A Haynes manual is great for finding these torque settings.

FYI, I have had a set of FelPro head bolts FAIL on me within a year of installing them (CORRECTLY INSTALLING THEM).

For the couple extra bucks, I would go with OE motorcraft.

Where would i find motorcraft ones?

Also do the head bolts, or any other bolts need thread locker of sealant, i know some engines the head bolts go into a water jacket, didnt know what the 2.9 was like?

adsm08 · Nov 28, 2011

Where does one generally buy Motorcraft parts?

lil_Blue_Ford · Nov 28, 2011

For some reason I want to say that the head bolts on a 2.9 are supposed to be oiled before installing but I don't quite remember. But it was either oil or they go in dry, no locktite or any of that.

adsm08 · Nov 28, 2011

All head bolts are supposed to have oil appropriate to the engine applied lightly to the threads. You don't want to hydro-lock the bolt in it's hole, but you need a little bit to keep them from sticking and galling while you torque them.

I forgot to oil the threads once on a set and it didn't cause catastrophic failure, but they sure didn't go in and torque down very nicely.

85_Ranger4x4 · Nov 28, 2011

adsm08 said:
Where does one generally buy Motorcraft parts?

Some stuff is available at O'Reilly's without the inflated dealership prices.

Twister · Nov 28, 2011

adsm08 said:
Where does one generally buy Motorcraft parts?

Dealership? :dunno:

85_Ranger4x4 said:
Some stuff is available at O'Reilly's without the inflated dealership prices.

That is usually the only place around me that carries motorcraft, but they didn't have the head bolts.

Will · Nov 29, 2011

Sounds like torque to yield. That means the bolts go past their elastic range and are essentially destroyed when installed. Lightly oiled is the standard, but make sure as they may have Lock-Tite on them--that blue shit. I have a factory manual, but it's a couple buildings away.

adsm08 · Nov 29, 2011

85_Ranger4x4 said:
Some stuff is available at O'Reilly's without the inflated dealership prices.

A lot of parts stores carry MC parts. So does Rockauto, autopartsdirect, autopartswarehouse, and:

Twister said:
Dealership?

Just go search for it man. Google is your friend.

Torquing Head Bolts/Other

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