Torquing head bolts

[bonniebird]

98 bonneville 3.8.....we had blown h/g due to radiator failure...so just picked up heads from machine shop...need to know how to torque the head bolts...svc manual states tighten first to 37 ft lbs then rotate 130 degrees using a torque angle meter....we don't have one... Is there any other way or do we need to get that tool?

Many thanks,
Melanie

[nos4blood70]

You don't need it. 130 degrees is about one third of a rotation.

[95naSTA]

Yep, I've never had a problem just eyeing it up on the rotation.

[bonniebird]

Thanks guys.....went and bought the $10 tool after all because he really wants to be more sure after the last 3weeks dismantling the U im/lim exhaust man and heads etc. don't let anyone tell you this is a no big deal job...some of the various bolts took an hour to get off and that was with pb blaster! I just hope it runs as good as it used to when we get it all buttoned up...

[nos4blood70]

Just make sure all mating surfaces, especially the heads and block, are pristinely clean. You don't want to have a leak.

[1oldman]

98 bonneville 3.8.....we had blown h/g due to radiator failure...so just picked up heads from machine shop...need to know how to torque the head bolts...svc manual states tighten first to 37 ft lbs then rotate 130 degrees using a torque angle meter....we don't have one... Is there any other way or do we need to get that tool?

Many thanks,
Melanie

Made my own with cardboard, protractor, and white out - LOL! - BC

[MattStrike]

The tool is the easiest way, but a protractor also works, I would venture so far as to say that by the 4th or 5th bolt you should also be able to feel when the bolt reaches the TTY point.