Honda-Tech - Honda Forum Discussion - 1984 Civic 1500 possible head bolt over torque on first pass

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EugeneTheBeast

06-02-2019 11:40 AM

1984 Civic 1500 possible head bolt over torque on first pass

Hello all, Honda newbe here. Last year I picked up a fairly decent Civic 1500s hatchback. It developed a head gasket leak so I pulled the head, sent it off the the machine shop and proceeded to reinstall yesterday. When went to torque the bolts down on the first pass, (22 ft. Ibs.) it felt like I was tightening them up more than what my wrench was set. Not having used it in long while, I proceed to continue and when I made the 2nd pass at 49 ft. lbs., it took very little effort before the wrench "clicked" indicating the desired torque had been reached. Upon inspection, I discovered that my wrench my have actually torqued the bolts to around possibly 80 ft. lbs. due to a malfunction. My question is, should I just continue or pull the head and start with a fresh gasket? New bolts?

TomCat39

06-02-2019 06:41 PM

Re: 1984 Civic 1500 possible head bolt over torque on first pass

I would pull the bolts at the bare minimum to see how badly the bolts are stretched. 80 ft-lbs is the range of ARP studs and nuts, not OEM head bolts. I suspect the bolts are stretched beyond use. Good to know the block threads took it without popping.

I'm not sure about the head gasket, you haven't heat cycled it so I am not sure if it would have compressed it past repair (use). I think you would jus thave to give it a try and see if it holds. Do what you are most comfortable with.

EugeneTheBeast

06-02-2019 06:48 PM

Re: 1984 Civic 1500 possible head bolt over torque on first pass

Quote:

Originally Posted by TomCat39 (Post 51942999)

Thanks for your response, I decided to pull the head. I ordered new bolts (the studs and nuts are nla) and a new head gasket. I checked the head and block for warpage with a straightedge and feeler gage and didn't any. Live and learn. Can't wait to get it on the road.

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