The procedure for tightening TTY head bolts on GM 3.8L engines? - Engine Builder Magazine

The procedure for tightening TTY head bolts on GM 3.8L engines?

What is the procedure for tightening TTY head bolts on GM 3.8L engines?

The AERA Technical Committee offers the following information regarding cylinder head installation for 1995-2002 GM 3.8L VIN K and 1 engines. AERA TB 1952 should be discarded. According to AERA, other published service information has been incomplete and this is the most up to date information.

It is important to remember that the cylinder head bolts used for these engines should be replaced any time the heads are re-installed. Failure to replace the bolts during head installation may reduce clamping force and head gasket service life.

To install new head bolts on these engines, use a torque angle tool and:

    1. Thoroughly clean the threads in the block using a 7/16-14 tap.
    1. Install the head gasket with the arrow pointing to the front of the engine.
  1. Install the new cylinder head bolts dry.

Notice: This bolt is designed to permanently stretch when tightened. The correct part number fastener must be used to replace this type of fastener. If the correct bolt is not used, the parts will not be tightened correctly and the engine may be damaged.

Step 1: Tighten all bolts in sequence (see Figure 1) to 35-37 ft.lbs. (49-50 Nm).

Step 2: Rotate each bolt 130

You May Also Like

Don’t Put the Cart Before the Horse

Happy New Year everyone! I trust you all enjoyed the holiday season and are hitting the gas full throttle now that we’re in a new year and January is already flying by. Personally, I’m not generally big on making resolutions – at least not ones that require tons of effort or ones I know I

Happy New Year everyone! I trust you all enjoyed the holiday season and are hitting the gas full throttle now that we’re in a new year and January is already flying by. Personally, I’m not generally big on making resolutions – at least not ones that require tons of effort or ones I know I won’t achieve – so what follows might be hypocritical of me.

Changing the Narrative Surrounding the Automotive Industry

Every now and then, one of my local radio stations in the Cleveland area invites people to call in who recently got ghosted after a first date. For those who need the definition of ghosting, it’s when someone cuts off all communication without explanation. The radio station tricks the ghostee into telling their side of

Brand Loyalty – is it a Thing of the Past?

Well folks, it’s late September and summer has officially come to a close. If you’re like me, you’ll miss those warm weather days and longer hours of daylight, but it’s been a great few months of race events, car shows, seeing customers, visiting shops, and of course, creating tons of content. In fact, one of

Engine Builder Attends SBI’s 40th Anniversary Gala

If there’s anything that these past couple years has demonstrated, it’s that nothing is for certain in life or in business. In these days of such ever-changing environments, economies, consumer habits and the like, it’s more than impressive when a company reaches a major milestone. In July, the team at S.B. International, located in Nashville,

SBI Gala
Summer Vibes and a Dream Engine Giveaway

How can you not love summer? Sure, it gets hot, but it definitely beats the cold, and there’s so much going on to occupy your time. Here at Engine Builder, our team has stayed extremely busy attending racing events, shows, visiting manufacturers and engine shops, as well as our usual content work.

Other Posts

Should Driving Be Outlawed by 2050?

As the world changes, so too does the automotive industry. Will self-driving cars eventually take over?

Male or Female – Passion Fuels Our Industry

Whether you’re a man or a woman, you can relate to that feeling this industry gives you and you want to immerse yourself in it. That’s what makes this industry great.

Ed Iskenderian of Isky Racing Cams Celebrates 100

July 10, 2021 marked the 100th birthday of Isky Racing Cams founder Ed Iskenderian. The man is an icon in the industry.

Start with Engine Basics

This column is for the young folks out there who believe they have passion for automotive performance. You see the people in this industry and you really want to get involved. I get a lot of calls and emails from these younger folks who want to maybe intern or come to the shop to learn.