Torquing Head Bolts

Im ready to torque down the heads on my 8ba.
I was wondering what the proper way to do this would be.
Thanks

PS Already searched forums

 

I I take them to 50lb's. 20 - 35 - 50 then back over a few times.

 

Yep, start in the middle and work out. Follow that chart. If you've got aluminum heads only go to 40-45 I think. As mentioned, work your way up to that torque too.

I used the new felpro blue gaskets and sprayed them with silver paint on both sides, installed tacky. I don't know if that was nessisary but it worked good for me.

Also retorque the heads again after it's been run 20 minutes or so. I did mine again after I broke in the cam. After that I ran all summer, and checked the torque at the end of the summer, it was fine.

 

Thank you very much

 

Here is the head bolt tightening sequence for the Ford L head, 8-239 engine (8BA), that is shown in my Motors Truck Repair Manual, pg. 586, published by MOTOR, 250 West 55th st., New York 19, N.Y., Copyright 1963, The Hearist Corp. Max torque is listed at 70 Ft. Lbs. (pg. 576).

pigpen

 

Not rying to be picky but alum head bolts torque to 55 ibs on my 8BA.

 

Be sure to run a bolt or tap into each hole before you bolt the head on. That way the threads are clean.
Also a touch of lube on the threads will help insure accurate readings. Or some use sealer.

 

The torque spec in the manual is for the original cast iron heads. There seems to be a difference in info for the torque sequence though. I have read that the "X" pattern is not recommended. The "Book" is almost never wrong. That's what I use.

pigpen

 

I don't think that running a tap into the holes is the best way to clean out the threads on a flatty, it ruins the fit of the stud or bolt as the threads are cut from the factory with a special tap for a tight fit from what I've read.

Here's a link to a tech site with lots of good info submitted mostly by old timers who built 'em and ran 'em back in the day.http://www.btc-bci.com/~billben/flathead.htm

 

You need to torque the bolts more than earlier motors, or motors with studs. The fine thread studs grab tighter with less torque.

 

Any one have specs for 55' 322 Nailhead and 55' 331 Caddy?

thanks in adv.

 

I torqued the heads down according to 296 V8 's diagram, but Pigpen posted another picture.

Will there be a problem?

 

I always use copper spray on head gaskets.

 

296 V8's diagram is the '32-'48 order. I can't imagine it would matter a great deal which you used, but the "correct" way of doing it for an 8BA is Pigpen's.

 

I also doubt that it will matter that much. Both methods work from the center to the outside, although in a different way, which is what you're looking to do. I also use the copper gasket sealer (on the bolt threads also) and the big bore copper head gaskets from Speedway Motors. No problems so far.

pigpen