So i am in the middle of doing a head gasket in my 93 m104 engine. .yesterday, i installed the new head bolts. I used the torque wrench to torque them to spec in sequence. i then marked them with a sharpee at the 12 o'clock position and turned them 90 degrees in sequence so that all of them were are the 3 o'clock position. i did that again as recommended so all of the markings are now at the 6 o'clock position where they should be ... here are my questions:

first, despite being very careful and focused...not all the markings on the bolts are exactly at the 6 o'clock position..i guess it has to do with differences in the way the breaker bar was gripped depending on location and some play in the driver-socket-breaker bar combo....so should i go back and further torque them till they are in the exact position?

secondly, is there anyway to verify that everything seated and sealed correctly? i really do not want to see any oil leaks due to a looser than usual head bolt, or minor differences in head bolt tension?

I really appreciate any feedback on this.....

Thanks,

Latief

It should be fine because as far as I know, there can be up to a 10% difference in each cylinder. Mine weren't perfect either, but as long as they are pretty close.

The gasket should set accordingly once the engine gets up to running temperature. Just drive it carefully for the first few days.

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thanks,

any further feedback on this before i move on to the next step?

From what I understand you should be fine. They don't need to be perfect (though one should always strive for that), the idea is that the bolts reach a "yield" zone. As I understand it, once they begin to stretch they should all level out to about the same tightness.

Here's the URL for a good article I came across describing the principals of torque-to-yield fasteners (hope I'm allowed to post it!):

http://www.enginebuildermag.com/Article/2343/threaded_fasteners_torquetoyield_and_torquetoangle.aspx

Same article, but with correlating thumbnail pics on sidebar:

http://www.enginebuildermag.com/Article/2415/threaded_fasteners_torquetoyield_and_torquetoangle.aspx

I agreee. YOu are fine.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

thanks guys