230a head bolt re-torque specs

[boomtang]

Hello all,
Much appreciation and respect for this site being what it is. People have helped me tremendously here. Long time reader and first time poster.

Ive got a volvo penta 230a that had some bad valves. (common exhaust valve corrosion from manifold). Head was taken to machine shop and all is well and ready for replacement. I have an after-market manual that gives torque values in 3 stages for head bolts.
1) 15ft-lbs
2) 29ft-lbs
3) 90 degree turn

Seems straight forward, but it calls for a re-torque after warm up and cool down cycle.

Question is: What would the final re-torque value be if the previous final was a protractor angle? Certainly not another 90degrees. Ive also thought maybe its possible that the retorque is done at 90 deg. after setting at 29ft-lbs and doing the warmup cycle from there, however, that seems like pretty low torque to be running an engine.

 

[Scott Danforth]

welcome aboard.

if your using a clymer or chilton manual, throw them away or use for knee pads.

you are using new bolts, correct? Which head gasket are you using?

use the torque sequence that comes with the bolts that works with the head gasket you have. if you are using factory GM bolts, a gen 1 SBC is 65 ft-lbs. if you are using ARP bolts, use the ARP specs. if you are using torque to yield bolts (T-T-Y came out in 1996 on GM motors), you use the torque/angle methode and DO NOT retorque them. (hence the reason to throw away your clymer or chilton manual)

the requirement for retorquing depends on the bolts you use, and the head gasket you are using. most of todays head gaskets do not get retorqued.

http://aftermarket.federalmogul.com... Head Gasket Failure - Low Clamping Force.pdf

http://www.felpro-only.com/blog/proper-installation-use-t-t-y-bolts/

 

[Fishermark]

Scott - the 230 is the same as the AQ131 - the overhead cam 4 cylinder. The factory manual calls for torque settings of 15, 30, and then 120 degrees. Does not call for re-torquing the bolts.

 

[Fishermark]

 

[Scott Danforth]

Scott - the 230 is the same as the AQ131 - the overhead cam 4 cylinder. The factory manual calls for torque settings of 15, 30, and then 120 degrees. Does not call for re-torquing the bolts.

i keep getting the 231 and 230 nomenclature mixed up. however it still goes to throw the clymer manual away and install per the recommendation of the bolts. 15, 30, and 120 degrees is a TTY sequence, and new bolts need to be used.

 

[boomtang]

Dang, I am using a Clymer manual. Didnt realize how bad they were though i did see some inconsistencies and vagueness throughout. Following the manual, I did re-use the old bolts, as it claims they can be re-used up to five times. Fishermark, it looks like that image above was taken from the volvo service manual, which claims the same. Both seem to overlook T-T-Y, yet still suggest an angled torque. I'm confused.

This is where i'm at now. I have already put the head on and incrementally torqued in sequence to 30ft-lbs. This is where I stopped and sought help from you guys as I realized my confusion. I am not sure of the head bolt brand and the head gasket is aftermarket and came with no specs. Guess I was jumpin the gun tryin to rely on the manual. Im hesitant to pull the head back off, means another head gasket and bolts? Im in Skagway, Alaska and getting parts here can be pretty trying. Everything comes by boat or plane. Pulling the head would mean restarting the whole sequence and waiting another couple weeks for really expensive parts. I know that the head torque is crazy important, but im hoping it doesnt come to that.

Seeking your best advice here. Should I follow my manual and put another 90 deg. on it and let it ride? 120deg. like the other manual says? Run it at 30ft-lbs and re-toque at angle? Or(crossing my fingers not) restart the whole process with all new headgasket and bolts? Gettin this boat back up to speed has been a long time comin, but i feel im gettin close to pullin those kings and halibut soon.

 

[Fishermark]

It's not too difficult. You simply use your torque wrench to torque them in the order posted to the first torque setting, and then the 2nd setting - which is where you are. Now simply turn them an addition 120 degrees. And yes, the manual I have posted from is the official Volvo Penta Manual.

 

[Fishermark]

Here's a little more info on other torque values:

 

[boomtang]

Looks like the head gasket is made by orbitrade. Havent found any specs from them yet.
So I should ignore the warm-up cycle and re-torque bit then?

 

[Fishermark]

By the way you can find the online manual here.