Do I NEED to use a torque wrench for head bolts ?

[VS-S-PACK]

Hey guys I'm about to put in the engine I pulled apart and worked it Ect .. Anyway do I have to replace the head bolts and have to use a torque wrench ? Because I reused mine and just tighten tight all around haha

 

[Wombles]

Yes! New bolts as they are Torque to Yield bolts. Meaning they strech after being torqued.
Yes! Torque them down! Dont be stupid. Do it once do it right. And do it in the proper sequence!

 

[commodore665]

Just to be on the safe side , I would re-place the head bolts , and use a torque wrench on them , I am unsure of the torque settings for these .

 

[HamaTime™]

Yes you need to use a torque wrench.

Step 1: Tighten bolts in SEQUENCE to 34nm

Step 2: Rotate bolts all a further 90degrees (tighter)

Step 3: Finally, ensure all bolts are torqued at 90nm

Note: If in step 2, during the 90 degree rotation, the bolt reaches 90nm - then use new studs

 

[FATMOE]

Almost every bolt in a car should be tightened with a torque wrench to the manufacturer settings.

 

[Immortality]

I think we have a conclusive answer to that question.

edit: LOL, my 7000th post and it's a useful one

 

[c2105026]

I find for higher torque settings, even with a wrench, I have not been able to get it up to say 100nm. May have been weaker then or was in a tight space...So I just did it up as tight as I could physically go. 2 years on, bolt hasn't loosened lol. (BTW bolt was a suspension bolt).

RE: head bolts - apparently you tighten them in a circular/spiral manner, starting from middle of head out.

 

[VS-S-PACK]

Thanks guys! Ill grab a torque wrench today! And head bolts ! And thanks hammertime!

 

[ari666]

LOL, my 7000th post and it's a useful one

you and i know how to talk serious ****

 

[Ian Johnston]

I hope you didnt do you own engine up without using a torque wrench at all:hmmm: