Torque specs

[Sunny Jim]

Probably an ancient topic, But here goes! what is the correct tension step by step for an M8 head using an MLS gasket?
More the point! Is it the same as a twin Cam?

[Scotty]

First off I have not done one myself but mate followed HD service manual procedure and has had no problems.
No real torque spec as they use degree's in the service manual.
Not really answering your question but at least giving you something.

[speedzter]

You may have found this :
https://harleytechtalk.com/htt/index.php?topic=102935.0

It appears they supply the same torque spec sheet as for the Twin Cam's.
So you can use the cometic method, or the factory method .

[Hilly13]

My thought is if your using cometic gaskets then use their torque spec, the Harley method could have you end up with too high a final torque. The reason I think that is when the MLS is squashed flat it stops compressing and who knows how much torque the 90° swing will end up at, might pull a stud, Harley gasket use their method, my take anyhow.

[Hilly13]

One other thing that came up not long ago that makes sense as well, I dunno about M8's but if you use the SE studs then the effect will be even more pronounced as they stretch less than stock.

[Scotty]

My thought is if your using cometic gaskets then use their torque spec, the Harley method could have you end up with too high a final torque. The reason I think that is when the MLS is squashed flat it stops compressing and who knows how much torque the 90° swing will end up at, might pull a stud, Harley gasket use their method, my take anyhow.

I think what Hilly said but go a a step further and use a torque wrench and mark the degrees as well and see what the difference is when the torque wrench clicks.
Would be worth looking at as they may be so close it make no difference or could be miles apart.

[Sunny Jim]

Cometic recommends the 90 degree effect on the M8.

[Hilly13]

Chuck's my theory out the window, thanks for putting that up Jim, good info.

[Scotty]

Chuck's my theory out the window, thanks for putting that up Jim, good info.

I didn't believe my mate when he told me the instructions said use OEM specs but he was right. 

[Hilly13]

Chuck's my theory out the window, thanks for putting that up Jim, good info.

I didn't believe my mate when he told me the instructions said use OEM specs but he was right. 

Haha, oh well, always happy to be educated Scotty