I am rebuilding the head for my GSR and its almost done-I took my cam cap bolts and started to tighten them to 20lbs each and they don't seem to tighten with the torque wrench-my question is do cam cap bolts stretch? I can take a wrench to them and they feel real snug and I cant move them without force,but when I use a torque wrench they just spin,any ideas?

 

i usually just hand tightened them and never had a problem with it. they do break easily so go easy with the torque wrench

 

x2...I learned the hard way.



Did you some how strip the threads?

 

double check again just incase they broke already

 

no I took them all out-the threads are fine and theres no metal shavings-it may be that I have some lube for the cams that spilled off under the cam caps and gave me some false readings innuo

 

If you are breaking a cam cap bolt like that, then the bolt has been stretched beyond it's limits, the threads are screwed up, or your torque wrench is out of whack.

THe reason why it can feel like it's "snug" by hand, is because the cam lobes are pressing back on the cam caps! Make sure your valve adjusters are fully backed out, everything is lubed properly, and your cam is in a neutral position- ie, not at full lift on a cylinder.

 

This could happen at times, oil or some grease falls into those cam bolt holes. When you tighten the bolts, it just keeps going and you won't feel like the torque wrench is clicking to a certain ft. lbs. or inch lbs. when you set it. So, I cleaned out the holes w/paper towels until it's dry.

 

All bolts, when properly tightened, are stretched. However, they should return to their original length when loosened.