[v8hed]

When removing headbolts, should I loosen in stages or is it acceptable to loosen each bolt all the way, providing the correct sequence is followed? I know that, when tightening, the bolts should be torqued in stages until the final torque value is attained, but I just wondered if the same should apply when loosening the bolts in order to lift the heads.

Thanks,
Ian.

[DoubleVision]

It don`t matter how they come out.

[v8hed]

Originally Posted by DoubleVision

It don`t matter how they come out.

Great, thanks. Does it even matter regarding the sequence, or can bolts be removed at random?

[matt167]

Originally Posted by v8hed

Great, thanks. Does it even matter regarding the sequence, or can bolts be removed at random?

I have always removed from the outside in, reverse sequence, but that's just me

[Barry.M]

With a motor that has unknown history (to me) I use a torque wrench for disassembly.

This method "may" indicate if their's a "potential" stretched bolt (low torque) or possible stripped/corroded threads that need inspection.

Excessively high torques may indicate other potential problems like warped heads/block that a previous owner has tried to fix by torqueing up a little more than recommended.

May be of use to you........Barry.

[1BAD80]

Ditto with DoubleVision, don't matter how.
We pull off very hot heads on a nitro motor without any problem, just pull the pushrods first.

[oldbogie]

Originally Posted by v8hed

When removing headbolts, should I loosen in stages or is it acceptable to loosen each bolt all the way, providing the correct sequence is followed? I know that, when tightening, the bolts should be torqued in stages until the final torque value is attained, but I just wondered if the same should apply when loosening the bolts in order to lift the heads.

Thanks,
Ian.

I always take 'em out in reverse order of tightening them for the same reason, avoiding warping the head from the inside to outside. That's to say the tightening sequence is intended to push the stresses from the center to the ends. This prevents the center from being pinched by the ends which will cause it to buckle upwards. Cast iron doesn't like this and for the Chevy head, or any other, where the exhaust valves are adjacent to each other, this will put the point of maximum stress in the place where the casting is most prone to crack. Now just pulling bolts out of a cold engine may not make all that much difference, but why temp Murphy's laws, or in your case Lucas'.

Bogie

[v8hed]

Thanks guys. Think I'll remove the bolts in reverse sequence to tightening, just to be safe. However, I won't bother undoing the bolts in 3-stages; I'll just loosen each bolt fully. On re-assembly, of course, I'll abide by the 3-stage torquing sequence.

Cheers,
Ian.