VWDiesel.net The IDI, TDI, and mTDI source.

Engine Specific Info and Questions => IDI Engine => Topic started by: diesel smoke on March 23, 2008, 05:12:04 pm

Title: head bolt question
Post by: diesel smoke on March 23, 2008, 05:12:04 pm
Hi all,

I am replacing the head gasket on my '89 TD Jetta soon. But I have a question. I know the head bolts need to be replaced, as they are used once, but I read somewhere that they need a special socket to remove, is this true?
Title: head bolt question
Post by: jimfoo on March 23, 2008, 05:37:59 pm
Yes, a triple square, 12 mm, also known by a few other names.
Title: head bolt question
Post by: starrd on March 23, 2008, 06:49:46 pm
Lordco carries them.
Title: head bolt
Post by: theman53 on March 23, 2008, 06:57:05 pm
I got mine at napa and it is a 12mm triple square. I also got my head bolts off of www.autohausaz.com they were only like 1.13 per head bolt. Hope it helps.
Title: head bolt question
Post by: diesel smoke on March 23, 2008, 07:09:27 pm
Thanks,

I think I already have one of those somewhere... Another question would be what are they torqued to? and do you put any of that gasket sealer stuff on the surfaces when you put it back together again?
Title: head bolt question
Post by: burn_your_money on March 23, 2008, 08:51:40 pm
sounds to me like you don't have a bentley, which is pretty much a must have when doing a headgasket. They are less then $40 shipped on amazon.ca.

Canadian Tire carries the tool you need in a pack of 4, one of which also works for the CVs
Title: head bolt question
Post by: diesel smoke on March 23, 2008, 10:07:28 pm
Quote from: "burn_your_money"
sounds to me like you don't have a bentley, which is pretty much a must have when doing a headgasket. They are less then $40 shipped on amazon.ca.

Canadian Tire carries the tool you need in a pack of 4, one of which also works for the CVs


Nope, don't have a bentley manual, wish I did. Would a Haynes manual have the info I need? I kinda need to know what to torque the bolts to because I am going to the city tomorrow to get the parts and am fixing it on Tuesday. But I would be able to get a Haynes manual tomorrow...
Title: head bolt question
Post by: starrd on March 23, 2008, 10:46:16 pm
e-mail sent
Title: head bolt question
Post by: Vincent Waldon on March 23, 2008, 10:51:52 pm
Can't recommend you save your money and get the Bentley strongly enough... the Haynes pales in comparison and will let you down again and again as you get deeper and deeper into wrenching your car.. which I can tell you will !!  

I'll happily look up whatever settings you need as you do your headgasket if you solemnly promise me you'll save your sheckles and get a Bentley.  BTW you'll also need the correct tightening sequence... which is also the correct loosening sequence... you need to slowly remove the old head as well so that it doesn't warp.

(http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa85/vwaldon/Headsequence.jpg)

Loosen the bolts in the above sequence, 1/4 or 1/2  turn at a time.

The new gasket goes on dry.  The tightening sequence is:

1) 40 Nm
2) 60 Nm
3) additional 1/4 turn
4) additional 1/4 turn
5) run the engine up to operating temp then an additional 1/4 turn
6) for ME and MF engines, an additional 1/4 turn after about 1600 km


Friends don't let friends buy Haynes or Chiltons  :wink:
Title: head bolt question
Post by: diesel smoke on March 24, 2008, 08:06:07 pm
Quote from: "Vincent Waldon"
Can't recommend you save your money and get the Bentley strongly enough... the Haynes pales in comparison and will let you down again and again as you get deeper and deeper into wrenching your car.. which I can tell you will !!  

I'll happily look up whatever settings you need as you do your headgasket if you solemnly promise me you'll save your sheckles and get a Bentley.  BTW you'll also need the correct tightening sequence... which is also the correct loosening sequence... you need to slowly remove the old head as well so that it doesn't warp.

(http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa85/vwaldon/Headsequence.jpg)

Loosen the bolts in the above sequence, 1/4 or 1/2  turn at a time.

The new gasket goes on dry.  The tightening sequence is:

1) 40 Nm
2) 60 Nm
3) additional 1/4 turn
4) additional 1/4 turn
5) run the engine up to operating temp then an additional 1/4 turn
6) for ME and MF engines, an additional 1/4 turn after about 1600 km


Friends don't let friends buy Haynes or Chiltons  :wink:


Thanks Vince,

I didn't get the Haynes, crappy tire didn't have one. :roll:  :lol: So it looks like I'll be saving for a Bentley, I promise I'll get one. starrd did send me a email with lots of info, Thanks!

I'll be knocking on your door if something goes wrong...


j/k :wink:
Title: head bolt question
Post by: diesel smoke on March 25, 2008, 07:01:22 am
Alright everyone, I'm off this morning to tackle the head gasket. :shock:

Wish me luck.  :)  8)
Title: head bolt question
Post by: Baselyne on March 25, 2008, 08:18:11 am
good luck timing the IP... Hope to lock it in place so you dont need to buy a dial indicator tool and adaptor

I thought doing mh Hgasket was a day job too untill i miss timed the Injection pump an had to wait few weeks for that tool to show in the mail.

all because I didnt pump pin lock that sprocket...damn
Title: head bolt question
Post by: diesel smoke on March 25, 2008, 09:57:05 pm
It runs!! I started wrenching at 9:00 and did not finish until 8:00. I'm very tired. It is still a bit ignorant to start because the timing is a wee bit off, lined the cam by eye and locked the pump with a bolt. :lol: I still need to find someone in Edmonton who'll do the fine timing for me...maybe Vince... :wink:  :wink:  :lol:

More tomorrow, I'm going to bed... 8)  :)
Title: head bolt question
Post by: Baselyne on March 26, 2008, 01:25:10 pm
good work my freind, Lucky for you it starts and you didnt need the tool.

hope you can get it static timed and check valve clearances for hard starting issues...
best of luck and props on the fine wrenching

8 hours of garage time is soooooo much better than anything else I could think of doing with my day although lately have not had much time at all!
lucky you. Props
Title: head bolt question
Post by: KAC on March 27, 2008, 04:56:28 pm
a 7/16,1/4 drive deep socket werks awesome to lock the pump