bink49

I could use some help. I am working on a 1995 Mustang with a 3.8. Usual blown head gasket. My problem is I have looked all over the net and keep finding conflicting torque specs Some sites list the long bolts to be torqued 15 ft. lbs then 29 ft lbs then 37 ft lbs then loosen them 2 to 3 turns and re tighten them to 29-37 ft lbs then tighten 90 degs

The second specs I keep finding are exactly the same but after loosening they say tighten to 11-19 ft lbs

Seems the second would be right, but I don't know.
Can someone tell me what the RIGHT head bolt torque specs are?

warthogdriver

i cant help you with exact numbers....but i used the first method with similar numbers and method when i did my 99 3.8 build for my 95.

bink49

So you used the first set of spec on 2 cars and all is fine?
By the way I checked out your car pics! Great looking car!

jthorn9

As long as you have a good torque wrench and follow the bolt pattern there isn't really any reason to loosen the bolt after it's been torqued.

The process I followed on my 5.0 was 30lbs, 50lbs, then set to 80-90 (head pending) in bolt sequence. Yes you have to torque down certain bolts in a certain order to ensure the head seals evenly.