Current Classifieds

pinto wagon parts
Date: 12/19/2019 01:43 pm
Need a 1976 runabout instrument cluster replacement
Date: 12/26/2016 04:29 pm
2.0 Mickey Thompson SUPER RARE cam cover and belt guard
Date: 08/27/2018 11:11 am
2.3 engine mounts,glove box parts,emblems,hatch,doors,hinges etc
Date: 08/26/2018 06:35 pm
2.3 front sump oil pan
Date: 07/24/2018 03:17 pm
hubcaps

Date: 05/13/2021 05:33 pm
72 pinto

Date: 06/23/2016 12:40 pm
79 pinto front,rear alum bumpers

Date: 07/17/2018 09:49 pm
Tire needed p185/80r13
Date: 12/31/2017 09:08 pm
Bumpers
Date: 07/06/2018 04:47 pm
73 Runabout

Date: 11/20/2017 03:19 pm
Floor pans for my 1975 Pinto Sedan
Date: 12/09/2016 08:34 am

Author Topic: Re-Torque Head Bolts?  (Read 511 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline rob289c

  • Pinto Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 387
  • FeedBack: +7/-0
  • Gender: Male
  • Another Pinto Driver

  • Total Badges: 3
    Badges: (View All)
    Fifth year Anniversary Signature Topic Starter
Re-Torque Head Bolts?
« on: October 06, 2022, 05:40:41 AM »
Would it be advisable or discouraged to re-torque head bolts on an old engine that is not being torn down?  I will have my valve cover off during my engine detail process and just curious if that would be a good or horrible idea?  Something tells me it would be a bad thing to do, I should resist the urge, and leave well enough alone.  I am open to comments and suggestions.  Thank you...
rob289c

Offline Wittsend

  • Pinto Sr. Master
  • ******
  • Posts: 2512
  • FeedBack: +241/-0

  • Total Badges: 8
    Badges: (View All)
    Tenth year Anniversary Mobile User Topic Starter Poll Voter 1000 Posts Linux User Windows User Fifth year Anniversary
Re: Re-Torque Head Bolts?
« Reply #1 on: October 06, 2022, 12:15:56 PM »
As a general rule, no. Some of the later years had the TTY (Torque To Yield) bolts that should not be retorqued! Those you just buy new bolts after a removal. Also, even with an older engine the bolts may have been replaced with TTY bolts. So, considering all that I'd say no.

I have an old Rambler whose 1964 OHV engine is derived off their flathead that originated in 1940. Now THAT engine requires checking the head bolt torque every 5,000 miles.

Offline rob289c

  • Pinto Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 387
  • FeedBack: +7/-0
  • Gender: Male
  • Another Pinto Driver

  • Total Badges: 3
    Badges: (View All)
    Fifth year Anniversary Signature Topic Starter
Re: Re-Torque Head Bolts?
« Reply #2 on: October 06, 2022, 06:21:34 PM »
I will heed your advice and leave things well enough alone!  Thank you...
rob289c

Offline 65ShelbyClone

  • Pinto Master
  • *****
  • Posts: 788
  • FeedBack: +139/-0
  • Soylent Green

  • Total Badges: 8
    Badges: (View All)
    Tenth year Anniversary Fifth year Anniversary Topic Starter Signature Poll Voter Mobile User Linux User Windows User
Re: Re-Torque Head Bolts?
« Reply #3 on: October 08, 2022, 06:46:26 PM »
Yeah, retorquing would be ill-advised at this point IMO. It probably wouldn't cause any problems, but it wouldn't mitigate any risk and has the potential to cause a problem you don't have now.

The TTA (torque-to angle) head bolts have six-point heads. "Early" reusable bolts have 12-point heads. I don't know when the switch was made, but that's an easy way to tell what you have. All the 2.3T engines have 12pt bolts, so they were used at least until 1988 or '89.
'72 Runabout - 2.3T, T5, MegaSquirt-II, 8", 5-lugs, big brakes.
'68 Mustang - Built roller 302, Toploader, 9", etc.

Offline rob289c

  • Pinto Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 387
  • FeedBack: +7/-0
  • Gender: Male
  • Another Pinto Driver

  • Total Badges: 3
    Badges: (View All)
    Fifth year Anniversary Signature Topic Starter
Re: Re-Torque Head Bolts?
« Reply #4 on: October 08, 2022, 08:42:52 PM »
Mine is a 1980 and has 12 pt bolt heads.  I will not be re-torquing. 
rob289c