Cylinder head torque specs

ROBB2K

MEMBER
2003 FORD WINDSTAR
3.8L
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
150,000 MILES

I am having to change the heads on my motor and have read in different places different torque specifications and procedures. I don't have a factory service manual. I have bought new TTY long and short bolts for this car for the job. What I have seen is:

Lubrication bolts with motor oil
Tighten bolts in the correct sequence in three stages:
1. Torque to 15 ft lbs
2, Torque to 30 ft lbs
3. Torque to 37 ft lbs

Then loosen each bolt in sequence following below but one only loosen one bolt at at time:

Loosen two turns
For short bolts: torque to 18 ft lbs then 180 degrees more.
For long bolts: torque to 33 ft lbs then 180 degrees more

One manual said use RTV on the short bolts.

Engine is a 3.8 liter with aluminum heads casting YF2E

Could someone comment on the details? Little info out there and what there is conflicts with Haynes etc.

5 Replies

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 POSTS

Good morning,

Below is the process for torque specs.

Make sure you do the final with starting at the center out.

Use clean oil on the bolts. Do not use anything else.

Roy

NOTE: Lubricate the bolts with clean engine oil prior to installation.

Install the new bolts. Make sure the bolts are installed in the correct locations.
1. Install new long bolts.
2. Install new short bolts.

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4. Tighten the bolts in the sequence shown in three stages.
- Stage 1: Tighten to 20 Nm (14 ft. Lbs.).
- Stage 2: Tighten to 40 Nm (29 ft. Lbs.).
- Stage 3: Tighten to 50 Nm (36 ft. Lbs.).

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5. CAUTION: Do not loosen all of the bolts at one time. Each bolt must be loosened and tightened prior to working on the next bolt in the sequence.

NOTE: The short bolts are numbered 2, 4, 6 and 8 and the long bolts are numbered 1, 3, 5 and 7.

Loosen, then tighten the bolts in the sequence shown:
- Tighten short bolts to 25 Nm (18 ft. Lbs.), Then tighten an additional 180 degrees.
- Tighten long bolts to 45 Nm (33 ft. Lbs.), Then tighten an additional 180 degrees.

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6. Install the exhaust manifold lower studs.

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7. NOTE: Lubricate the push rods with clean engine oil prior to installation.

Install the push rods.

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