38, 6 cylinder Pontiac, Head tension torque

[Guest russang]

My manual does not quote a tension for the cylinder head bolts, just a tightening pattern..

Searching this forum resulted in a suggestion of 65 to 70 lbs ft on a Buick of a similar age.

Can anyone advise the torque setting for the head bolts of my 38 6 cylinder (223) flat head..

Most grateful

russ

[Guest]

It seems that in the old days mechanics were expected to know what the torque should be by the size of the bolt/capscrew. Or perhaps as one ancient manual I have says to "tighten the head bolts until the gasket does not leak".

My engine is the forerunner of yours ans I have always tightened the bolts down to 50 pounds the 55 pounds and finally to 60 pounds when installing a new composite gasket. When reusing a gasket I usually go five pounds more. I have not had problems with breaking bolts or leaking gaskets.

[Guest russang]

Thank you i will take it up to 60 and see how it goes, appreciate your advise thank you.

[Guest]

GM PRODUCTS L8 & V8

215 buick, pontiac 1963-61 ● 50-55 24

215 oldsmobile 1963-61 ● 45-55 176

215 Turbo oldsmobile 1963-62 ● 45-55 176

223.4 l-head pontiac 1935-33 60 175 ******************************************

232.3 l-head pontiac 1936 60 175

244 dohC (4.0l) 32 Valve

oldsmobile

2003-01 Vin C ●❍ 1st 30, 2nd turn 70 degrees,

3rd turn 60 degrees, 4th turn 60 degrees,

5th M6 bolts 8.8

198 es 72187

244 dohC (4.0l) 32 Valve

oldsmobile

1999-95 Vin C ●❍ 1st 30, 2nd turn 70 degrees,

3rd turn 60 degrees, 4th turn 60 degrees,

5th M6 bolts 8.8

198 es 72186

248 ohV buick 1950-34 65-70 178

248.9 l-head pontiac 1949-37 60 175

250 ohV (4.1l) Cadillac 1988-82 Vin 7, 8 ● 1st 38, 2nd 74, 3rd Bolts 1, 3, 4 90 74

260 (4.3l) oldsmobile 1982-75 Vin f, 8 ● 1st 60, 2nd 85 3

260 diesel (4.3l) oldsmobile 1979 Vin p ● 1st 100, 2nd 130 3

262 Chevrolet 1976-75 Vin g ●❍ 65 in three steps 7 es 72856

263 ohV buick 1953-50 65-70 178

264 buick 1955-54 65-75 34

265 (4.3l) Chevrolet 1996-95 Vin w ●❍ 1st all bolts 22,

2nd Long bolts turn 80 degrees,

3rd Medium bolts turn 65 degrees,

4th Short bolts turn 55 degrees

7 es 72856

265 (4.3l) Chevrolet 1994 Vin w ●❍ 65 in three steps 7 es 72856

265 (4.3l) pontiac 1981-80 Vin s ● 95 in three steps 40

265 Chevrolet 1957-55 ●❍ 65 7 es 72856

267 ohV (4.4l) Chevrolet 1982-79 Vin J ●❍ 65 in three steps 7 es 72856

267 dohC supercharged (4.4l)

32 Valve Cadillac

2008-06 Vin d 1st M11 bolts 22, 2nd turn 60 degrees,

3rd turn 60 degrees, 4th turn 60 degrees,

5th turn 40 degrees, 6th M6 bolts 8.8

198

268.2 l-head pontiac 1954-50 60 175

273 ohV (4.5l) Cadillac 1992-88

Vin 3, 5, 8

● 1st 38, 2nd 68, 3rd Bolts 1, 3, 4 90 74

Or:http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=1938+pontiac+cylinder+head+torque&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CC8QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.speedwayautoparts.com%2FTorque%2520Table%2520T1.pdf&ei=vs34UJv7NKjWiAKR0oCwBg&usg=AFQjCNE1JZeG-fT_nKb3PHCuhDe0OjgogA

Edited January 18, 2013 by helfen (see edit history)