HarleyTechTalk

Technical Forums => Knuck/Flat Head => Topic started by: cHarley on December 04, 2017, 04:52:17 PM

Title: Head bolt torque
Post by: cHarley on December 04, 2017, 04:52:17 PM
I have a 1932 V. Just acquired it. Head bolts are loose and only thing I have found is approximately 55 ft. pounds. Or just what feels right. Looking up bolt torque to bolt size not comfortable with. Not sure if later models would be correct? Thanks in advance if anyone familiar with this.
Title: Re: Head bolt torque
Post by: Ohio HD on December 04, 2017, 05:00:09 PM
Oldest documents I have are for '29 to '52 WL and WLA 45 inch, it says 60 ft. lbs.
Title: Re: Head bolt torque
Post by: cHarley on December 04, 2017, 07:12:56 PM
Thanks was there a pattern to follow? Just curious should be able to figure one that will work but there maybe one.
Title: Re: Head bolt torque
Post by: Ohio HD on December 04, 2017, 07:34:25 PM
No, just this info, to tighten evenly. I don't think the compression is very high, so it's probably not so critical to follow a pattern.


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Title: Re: Head bolt torque
Post by: cHarley on December 05, 2017, 06:28:16 AM
Thanks appreciate the reply. Probably will be asking more questions later.
Title: Re: Head bolt torque
Post by: Speeding Big Twin on December 08, 2017, 07:50:50 PM
I agree: 60-65. I have the revised fourth edition of Steve Slocombe's book for the 1930–36 V-series (V, VL etc). It was published in 2007. For the head bolts Steve recommends 60-65 ft lb. He doesn't mention a pattern.

Are the heads and cylinders original to the cases? The reason I ask is that at least two Shop Dopes (57 and 77) mention a change to head bolts during the first model year (1930) of the V-series, with all head bolts becoming 7/16" x 1-7/8" (16 tpi). H-D #14-30B (#4674).

And with no offence meant, did you check the serial number and belly numbers for authenticity?       
Eric 
Title: Re: Head bolt torque
Post by: cHarley on December 09, 2017, 12:48:11 AM
Belly numbers match and serial number good from what I have been able to find thus far. Have not pulled down the heads yet and verified the stamps on them and cylinders. Also have not done tranny and frame numbers for year. I aquired it thru estate and had not been registered in years.
Title: Re: Head bolt torque
Post by: harley_cruiser on December 09, 2017, 06:07:41 AM
If I don't have a bolt pattern, I always use the criss cross star pattern starting in the narrowest place. You don't want to go in a circle. I do this on everything even things that don't mater, out of habit.
Title: Re: Head bolt torque
Post by: cHarley on December 09, 2017, 08:54:29 AM
Understand crisscross, kinda figured I would have to do it that way. That's how I have always done manways and such as a boilermaker. Just wanting to find out if someone knows from experience with these heads something better. Appreciate all the feed back. Four bolt heads on my shovel and such are a typical no brainier.