I'm in the middle of replacing my head gasket and I need the torque specs and pattern for the head bolts on my 88 4 banger, cant seem to locate anything on the web... can anyone help please? I need to get it running tonight!

Welcome to the Forum!

I hope this scan of my 87 Helm manual helps, take note of the cautions listed on the left hand side.

EDIT: These notes are found in the assembly instructions:

1. Tighten head bolts gradually with torque wrench to 25 NM (18 ft lbs) in sequence

2. Repeat sequence, bringing torque to 30 NM (22 ft lbs) on all bolts except number 9. Torque number 9 to 40 NM (29 ft lbs)

3. Repeat sequence. Turn all bolts, except number 9, 120 degrees (two flats on head of bolt). Turn number 9 1/4 of a turn (90 degrees)

Good luck!

[This message has been edited by FieroJoe (edited 12-30-2001).]

I only have bad news for you.... You should have asked this BEFORE you started... I'll be very suprised if the car is running by morning or if it stays running long.

1. 88 head bolts are "Torque to Yield" and should not be resused. Odds are high that they will break if you do. It's a wonder if none broke taking the head off.

2. Unless you have a degree wheel for torquing TTY bolts, you can't do them even if you have the pattern. (At least I won't... try it if you want to.)

The torquing sequence for TTY head bolts is a multi step process and, amazing as it may sound, not all bolts recieve the same torque.

If this works for you it works... if not oh well.

The sequence starts at the center bolt closest the intake. Use the above scanned image as a reference.

Bolts 9 and 10 are the stud toped ones and require thread sealer. Lube all others with engine oil.

Exhaust side
10, 6, 2, 3, 9|Belt
_8, 5, 1, 4, 7|End
Intake side

Pass 1... Torque all bolts to 18FP
Pass 2... Torque all bolts, EXCEPT #9, to 22FP. Torque bolt #9 to 29fp.
Pass 3... Turn all bolts, EXCEPT #9, 120 degrees. Turn bolt #9 90 degrees.

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11-Sept-01, The day the world as we knew it ended.

[This message has been edited by theogre (edited 12-30-2001).]

Well, as I was putting in my edit, theogre beat me to the torquing notes.

And yes, you usually replace all head bolts whenever you take them out of any engine. You might possibly snap the old bolts in the head when you are trying to torque them.

Thanks all... Was running great by 4:00am (yawn) now... on to the stereo work. (damn 4x9's anyways)