Results 1 to 13 of 13

Thread: Wrong head bolts tightening sequence

  1. #1
    Join Date
    May 2015
    Location
    italy
    Posts
    6
    My Cars
    fiat seicento

    Wrong head bolts tightening sequence

    Hi guys, I was re-installing the head of my E30 after machining and with a new gasket and new bolts.
    First turn of tightening (30Nm) was ok, but made a mistake on the second turn (+90°) and gave a +90° to a bolt that already received and completed the sequence as I thightened the correct bolt.
    Now, I realized the error and recognized which bolt was tightened twice and which one did not received the +90°. So I gave it a +90° out of sequence and completed the third turn.
    The motor after that didn't started yet, I'm still cleaning the components of the cooling circuit.

    Now my question is: is it better, and possible, to remove all the bolts and repeat the tightening sequence?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2005
    Location
    corpus christi, texas
    Posts
    6,738
    My Cars
    No e30s, again :(
    you can, or you could have loosened that one and redid it in sequence. I did the same thing when I installed a head on my car a month or so back and just corrected it right there
    No e30s again.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Apr 2015
    Location
    Toronto
    Posts
    492
    My Cars
    e30s
    NO don't remove the bolts or that bolt. it will be fine....you didn't have to back it off.. Just leave it. These are stretch bolts -assuming you installed "NEW" bolts after the replacing the head gasket?

    these bolts are designed to stretch when they get installed; they are NOT reasuable.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    May 2015
    Location
    italy
    Posts
    6
    My Cars
    fiat seicento
    Yes I used new bolts. But never run the engine after tightening.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Apr 2015
    Location
    Toronto
    Posts
    492
    My Cars
    e30s
    it's all good..however, you might get sweating if you used victorrientz head gasket. They are known for it.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    May 2015
    Location
    italy
    Posts
    6
    My Cars
    fiat seicento
    Quote Originally Posted by Ceekers View Post
    it's all good..however, you might get sweating if you used victorrientz head gasket. They are known for it.
    What do you mean?
    Yes I used Reins because it was the only available kit on our market.

  7. #7
    richardodn's Avatar
    richardodn is offline Old Guy BMW CCA Member
    Moderator
    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Location
    Lakewood, CO
    Posts
    9,941
    My Cars
    20 440ix cab, 12 X3 35ix
    VR head gaskets are a bit sensitive to surface preparation. I've used them twice; one failed early on with the typical oil passage leak.
    "Howdy, Folks!"

    1986 Delphin 528e - Roof rack equipped lumber hauler.
    1989 Zinnoberrot 325iX Sedan - I miss this car. (Deceased)
    1998 Avus Blau 328iC - Someone else's project now
    2008 Platinum-Beige X3 3.0si - Current project
    2012 Alpine White X3 xDrive35i - My new snowmobile.
    2020 Estoril Blue 440i xDrive cabrio - This car is a blast to drive.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Nov 2002
    Location
    Washington, DC
    Posts
    6,481
    My Cars
    E30 E36 E46 E90
    Quote Originally Posted by scipio84 View Post
    What do you mean?
    Yes I used Reins because it was the only available kit on our market.
    Typically, the recommended path is to use a VR head gasket kit, but DO NOT use the VR head gasket. It's so much cheaper that this works out. VR head gaskets tend to leak oil down the side, unless everything is perfect.
    2011 M3 Sedan
    2006 GMC Sierra 2500HD LBZ
    1999 323i GTS2
    1995 M3 - S50B32/S6S420G/3.91
    1990 325is
    1989 M3 - S54B32/GS6-37BZ

    Hers: 1996 Porsche 911 Turbo
    Hers: 1989 325iX


  9. #9
    Join Date
    May 2015
    Location
    italy
    Posts
    6
    My Cars
    fiat seicento
    Hi guys, I finally turned the key!
    The engine started well. But... there is smoke. Smoke from the exhaust side. I think it can be normal considering all the new gaskets, the smell is as well of warmed materials. The point is that I cannot understand how long the smoke can continue and how much it can be. I work in a small garage where only that car can stay, and after few minutes in the room there was pretty much smoke.
    The back of the car was out of the garage so it's not exhaust gas.
    Is it normal?

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Apr 2015
    Location
    Toronto
    Posts
    492
    My Cars
    e30s
    yes it's all the oil burning off the exhaust manifold etc when you installed everything back on. It will go away after some time and some driving. Pull the car out of the garage unless you wanna die...LOL

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Sep 2014
    Location
    Minnesota
    Posts
    1,498
    My Cars
    E21 323i, E36 M3
    Quote Originally Posted by Ceekers View Post
    yes it's all the oil burning off the exhaust manifold etc when you installed everything back on. It will go away after some time and some driving. Pull the car out of the garage unless you wanna die...LOL
    Probably this, but make sure there isn't oil leaking out of the valve cover onto the exhaust or something like that.


  12. #12
    Join Date
    May 2015
    Location
    italy
    Posts
    6
    My Cars
    fiat seicento
    There are no leakages. However, during the works something got dirt and was cleaned up, so residuals on the surfaces can be... Hope so!

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Apr 2015
    Location
    Toronto
    Posts
    492
    My Cars
    e30s
    Just keep an eye on it...you won't see the head gasket sweat right away.

Similar Threads

  1. Erring Head bolt tightening sequence OK?
    By ben4bama in forum General BMW Mechanical Help sponsored by RM European Auto Parts
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 09-03-2015, 02:15 AM
  2. Head bolt Torque sequence
    By DamianJP in forum 1983 - 1991 (E30)
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 03-03-2012, 09:56 PM
  3. Tightening Cylinder Head Bolts
    By gjmascoli in forum 1988 - 1996 (E34)
    Replies: 18
    Last Post: 03-27-2011, 08:57 PM
  4. Replies: 12
    Last Post: 12-18-2004, 09:10 AM
  5. Will tightening head bolts help on a coolant leak?
    By ponderosa in forum General BMW Mechanical Help sponsored by RM European Auto Parts
    Replies: 12
    Last Post: 01-17-2004, 12:31 PM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •