engine and drivetrain Headbolts revisited - clarification please.

[Guest Anonymous]

CARLOS asked:

Do you angle torque you headbolts?

CARLOS stated he “reread” an earlier post from CD. CD’s post quoted from a “BMW” service bulletin and among other things confirmed that the angle torque procedure translates (applies) to “old style non-stretch” headbolts as well as the newer designed bolts. CD also listed the part number and price for the tool:Torque Angle tool 83.30.0.490.504 $208

http://www.bmw2002faq.com/component/option,com_forum/Itemid,50/page,viewtopic/t,287812/

CARLOS believes CD’s information is credible. Carlos mentioned this to dealer service writer. Service writer is not aware that some headbolts were reusable.

SAM apparently refutes CD’s information.

SAM said:

NO, Angle torque is for strech bolts only ie M20 engine

CARLOS has torqued head bolts using both methods, but has never mixed and matched new method (angle torque method) on old “non-stretch” head bolts.

CARLOS would like to know if the angle torque method is more accurate than the old torque wrench methodology? Have other manufacturers also adopted BMW’s recommendations?

At the risk of belaboring the point, but in the hope of demystifying the subject, do any of you FAQ’ers “angle torque” your old style non-stretch headbolts?

Clarification would be appreciated. Thank you in advance.

[jimk]

Done both, never bought a head bolt. CD's instructions come with a new head gasket (provided the gasket is not a 100 years old). The method was developed to save garage/dealer time. If head bolts are required to be replaced with the angle method, the instructions would say so and they do not.

[racebmw]

Between a friend and myself we have built over 60 M10 engines over the past 20 years. We have always re-used the headbolts and torqued them with a torque wrench.

The most important thing to do is to be sure the bolt holes in the block are clean and dry. If there is oil in the bolt holes you will "torque" against the oil not by clamping of the head to the block.

When I build M20 motors with so-called stretch bolts I use torque angle.

My experience is that the non-stretch bolts give an accurate reading with a torque wrench as they stretch very little so the torque reading is quite accurate. The stretch bolts feel "springy" when you tighten them and I am not convinced you will get an accurate torque reading on them so torque angle makes more sense.

I am not a professional mechanic but that is my observation after building a bunch of motors - none of which have ever suffered head gasket problems.

Jeff

[c.d.iesel]

Note: For torsion angle tightening of cylinder head bolts (all engines) And reinforcement plate front axle carrier E46

Series: E12, E21, E23, E24, E28, E30, E30/C, E30tou, E31, E32, E32/3, E34, E34tou, E36, E36/2, E36/3, E36/5, E36/7, E36/C, E36tou, E38, E38/3, E39, E39PL, E39tou, E46, E46/16, E46/2, E46/3, E46/5, E46/C, E52, E53, E60, E61, E63, E64, E65, E66, E67, E68, E70, E81, E83, E85, E86, E87, E90, E91, E92, E93, R50, R52, R53, R56, RR1, RR2

Storage location: A12

Order number: 00 9 120

Torque angle measuring dial

please also refer to BMW Service-Information Bulletin Number

11 19 85 (1106) Montvale, NJ. Technical Dept. June 1986

GROUP 11 Engine

[Guest Anonymous]

If any of you are in need of an angle torque gauge after reading all this stuff (maybe for your E30?) I can recommend the MAC brand gauge over the Snap-On unit. Both are about $50-70, but the MAC one has a gooseneck like CD's illustration - and a springy CLAMP, to hold it still - works WAY beter than the Snap-On one, which uses a pin that easily shifts at the "crucial" moment!

FWIW - maybe you don't need 'em...but I use only new headbolts in my own motors. I skimp on stuff like food and clothing instead.

Paul

[tjones02]

http://www.lislecorp.com/tool_detail.cfm?detail=392

You can do a Google search for "lisle 28100" for a good price.

[tjones02]

And I am a professional.