Conflicting head bolt torque sequences

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Nov 17, 2019 | 10:47 AM

grizbait

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Trailering

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Conflicting head bolt torque sequences

Hoping someone can set me straight on head-bolt torque sequences for the 5.4 2V engine. Just had my heads re-built and re-assembling now. I have Fel-pro PermaTorque MLS head gaskets and also bought Fel-pro head bolts - which say updated/re-designed. (they do not have a washer)

Factory Service Manual says torque all head bolts to 30 ft-lbs, in sequence, then 90 degrees, in sequence, then 90 degrees again.

Head bolt package instructions say 27-32 ft-lbs, then 90 degrees, then back out each bolt 1 full turn, then 27-32 ft-lbs and 90 degrees again. This seems counter to the concept of a TTY bolt?

I'm inclined to stick with the factory service manual procedure but if anyone has dealt with this discrepancy I'm interested in input.

Nov 17, 2019 | 10:59 AM

alloro

Fleet Owner

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Tell us what the vehicle is so we can check the procedures and TSBs.

Nov 17, 2019 | 11:02 AM

grizbait

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Trailering

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That would be outstanding, thank you.

2004 Ford Expedition XLT Sport

And it has the Performance Improved head design for what it's worth...

Nov 18, 2019 | 09:24 AM

alloro

Fleet Owner

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I cannot find any TSB that supersedes what the FSM says to do. So I would stick with the 30 ft. lbs., 90, 90 sequence.

Nov 18, 2019 | 12:21 PM

grizbait

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Trailering

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Thank you for checking on that - much appreciated.

Nov 19, 2019 | 09:00 AM

alloro

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To be more accurate and to avoid overtightening the bolts, don't oil the bolts and then rough up the cylinder head side of the head bolt washers.

Nov 19, 2019 | 10:30 AM

the_hetz

Tuned

Joined: Mar 2004

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Quote:

Originally Posted by alloro

To be more accurate and to avoid overtightening the bolts, don't oil the bolts and then rough up the cylinder head side of the head bolt washers.

Why would you not lubricate the bolts? This is common practice.

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Nov 19, 2019 | 02:02 PM

F350 1990

Fleet Mechanic

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From: Mooresville, NC

I've done plenty of 5.4Ls (2Vs and 3Vs) the past year and the 2Vs are:

30 ft lbs
90 degrees
90 degrees

Regarding the head bolts: lightly oiled with rag, THEN (mucho important) allowed to drain off PRIOR TO TORQUE'ing.