I own a 1987 Supra (7M-GE), with 70k miles on it, in mint condition. I'm about to perform several maintenance items on it before I put it back on the road for the spring, summer season (it's never seen a winter). This includes; belts and hoses, timing belt, adjust the valves, change all fluids, etc. At this time, I'd also like to re-torque the head bolts. The car shows no signs of a head gasket problem. I've read several threads on how to replace the head gasket, but none on re-torquing the head bolts from 58 ft lbs to 70+ ft lbs. At first, I was thinking of just getting out my torque wrench and torquing them to 70 ft lbs, but I think the torque required to start the bolt moving again would be greater than 70 ft lbs. Since the the gasket is already squashed, I'm now thinking of replacing the bolts, one by one, with good after market bolts, to a running torque of 70-72 ft lbs. Anyone have any experience doing this? Your thoughts and ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Tightening head bolts
- Thread starter t_stang
- Start date
I wouldn't replace them...you don't want to induce a problem 
To do a re-torque, you follow the TRSM pattern and just "crack" the bolt counter clockwise then tighten...do not use the torque wrench to crack the bolts! Go to 65 ft/lbs 1st pass, 72-75 ft/lbs on the 2nd pass...again using the TRSM pattern.
To do a re-torque, you follow the TRSM pattern and just "crack" the bolt counter clockwise then tighten...do not use the torque wrench to crack the bolts! Go to 65 ft/lbs 1st pass, 72-75 ft/lbs on the 2nd pass...again using the TRSM pattern.