Head Bolt Removal Question

[67Satty]

Taking the iron heads off a 440 to replace with E Streets. Should I loosen the head bolts in a certain order? Like same order they are torqued or reverse order they are torqued? Or does it not matter either way? Thanks in advance!

 

[khryslerkid]

Doesn't matter. You can start in the middle and work your way out or the opposite.

 

[Cranky]

When you torque them down, you follow an order to compress the gaskets like they are supposed to be but taking the heads off, it really doesn't matter. They are already compressed and won't hurt anything how you take the bolts out.

 

[67Satty]

Thanks guys!

 

[zyzzyx]

Heck, you can even use an impact to take em off!

 

[HEMI-ITIS]

Consider new ARP hardware!

 

[67Satty]

Brings up another question. I already have ARP head bolts. Can I reuse my ARP bolts as long as I have hardened washers between them and the aluminum heads?

 

[HEMI-ITIS]

Absolutely!

 

[67Satty]

Thanks!

 

[Cranky]

Keep in mind that it's the nut that gives up it's torque ability before the bolt or cap screw does. Many will poo poo this and I would have never believed it either until attending a seminar on fasteners and torque several years ago. One thing that I replace after 1 use are rod nuts. Torque values usually give up 25% after the first time on dang near all fine thread nuts while the bolt only gives up a few percentage points but I wouldn't worry about it on something like heads. It would be a good idea to recheck the torque after the first run or so.

 

[Pistol Pete]

Pro tip:
If you have a hard time breaking the heads loose once all of the bolts are removed, replace one center bolt and screw it in a few threads. Be sure the plugs are in and bar the motor over. The compression will pop the head loose and the bolt will keep it from falling off.

 

[Cranky]

Pro tip:
If you have a hard time breaking the heads loose once all of the bolts are removed, replace one center bolt and screw it in a few threads. Be sure the plugs are in and bar the motor over. The compression will pop the head loose and the bolt will keep it from falling off.

Heard of using compressed air before too.

 

[67Satty]

Thanks for the tips!