I broke some Head bolts

[Dootimes2]

So I put on a power addiction head and when reinstalling the head bolts 3 of them broke. I have a brand new torque wrench from napa. Instructions said to torque to 24 ft.lbs. I may need to get a smaller torque wrench as mine goes from 25 to 251 ft. lbs. It was for another purpose. I am thinking it just may not be that accurate at the lowest setting. Any thoughts.

 

[m8magicandmystery]

you can use an inch lbs wrench at 288 in lbs...most ft pound wrenches start at ten lbs...get a different wrench and put some grease on the underside of bolt head and a smidge on the threads

 

[skibreeze]

I can't believe you broke them. That being said, I would use a wrench closer to the middle of the proper range for each job.

 

[Vfrtrader]

I would swear that they would strip before they would break. Maybe bad bolts?

 

[Murph]

Not to sound like a d1ck, but that is the equivalent of putting in a finishing nail with a sledgehammer.

25 foot pounds... use a quarter inch drive torque wrench, 3/8 max preferably a click style.

Don't feel bad, you name the mechanical f'up.... I've probably done it over the years.

Live and learn.

 

[Dootimes2]

I would swear that they would strip before they would break. Maybe bad bolts?

Could not beleive it either. I have doen this procedure many times and never broke one. They did not take much effort to break either. I was quite supprised.

 

[Dootimes2]

I can't believe you broke them. That being said, I would use a wrench closer to the middle of the proper range for each job.

That was my thought. Will be getting one tomorrow.

 

[Dootimes2]

Not to sound like a d1ck, but that is the equivalent of putting in a finishing nail with a sledgehammer.

25 foot pounds... use a quarter inch drive torque wrench, 3/8 max preferably a click style.

Don't feel bad, you name the mechanical f'up.... I've probably done it over the years.

Live and learn.

Yea. I was a little worried about the wrench, but it is brand new and is supposed to start at 25 lbs. I just do not think it works properly at that level. The bolts are not very strong though. I think I will replace them all and get a smaller torque wrench. Unlike hammers bigger is not always better.

 

[Bull]

no offense, but i hope it was your technique.....

on my 09 800 (of which i never had any engine issue, scoring, seize, etc..), except i had a power valve come loose...as it turned out the one of the bolts broke. they had to replace the cyclinders because the casting broke when they tried to get it out with an easy out. then about 2 weeks later, i was changing exhaust valve springs.....and bingo. broke another bolt when not even to torque. required another cyclinder replacement. so poo had to pony up for two cyclinders, by saving a penny buying she-ite quality hardware. so that is why i say i hope you goofed and not the other, but that makes me nervous. they must be buying from the same supplier as ace hardware

 

[AKSNOWRIDER]

torque wrenches require calibrating..sucks a brand new one was off..I normally send mine out at least once a year to be calibrated..if you drop one..good idea to have it recalled...good luck and by all means..use a smaller one...

 

[miller tools]

How many times have you used those bolts head bolts stretch using head bolts more then twice is not a good idea.

 

[Dootimes2]

no offense, but i hope it was your technique.....

on my 09 800 (of which i never had any engine issue, scoring, seize, etc..), except i had a power valve come loose...as it turned out the one of the bolts broke. they had to replace the cyclinders because the casting broke when they tried to get it out with an easy out. then about 2 weeks later, i was changing exhaust valve springs.....and bingo. broke another bolt when not even to torque. required another cyclinder replacement. so poo had to pony up for two cyclinders, by saving a penny buying she-ite quality hardware. so that is why i say i hope you goofed and not the other, but that makes me nervous. they must be buying from the same supplier as ace hardware

Wish it was. Still have to do the wifes sled. Stole bolts from hers to get mine back together. I think it was mostly the torque wrench, but those bolts still broke very easy. Think I might try the fastner store and see if I can get some zinc plated bolts that are stronger.

 

[Dootimes2]

How many times have you used those bolts head bolts stretch using head bolts more then twice is not a good idea.

Brand new sled.Only has 65 miles on it. First time they been out. Going to replace them all just to feel better about it.

 

[The Fourth Wolf]

I can't believe you broke them. That being said, I would use a wrench closer to the middle of the proper range for each job.

Bingo.

Torque tools are designed to be most accurate +/- 40% of the total range. English translation: If you have a 24 in/lb torque you need wrench calibrated in the 5 to 50 range.

 

[skibreeze]

How many times have you used those bolts head bolts stretch using head bolts more then twice is not a good idea.

I bet I retorqued the ones on my 08 20 times without any isses. I don't think that I was just lucky.

 

[Dootimes2]

Anyone ever buy a grade 5 or stronger bolt from a fastner company. I am sure I can get them local that are zinc coated.

 

[m8magicandmystery]

since these heads are not the stock head..??..is there any possibility at all that the bolts broke because the BOTTOMED out and are a hair too long...??..just wanted to raise this thought since it is surprising that the bolts broke before stripping and i can see them breaking first if they are bottomed out..??

 

[m8magicandmystery]

Anyone ever buy a grade 5 or stronger bolt from a fastner company. I am sure I can get them local that are zinc coated.

your head bolts are a regular hex bolt..??..no tapered shoulder...orings...??..anyway the low torque does not require a high grade bolt..its the prevention of coming loose thats important in the low torque head bolt design

 

[mountainhorse]

Replace all your head bolts now and check all the threads in the head... Not just the ones you broke but ALL of them.

Use factory bolts and a correct sized torque wrench as said above.

 

[RMK-King]

I had this same problem on a sled motor I rebuilt, I broke 5 head bolts and the only thing I could think of was that my craftsman torque wrench was off. Tested the wrench and it was way off! Bought a new higher quality wrench and I was back in business. I am guessing this is your problem as well.