Hello, I'm working on an '87 softail.The valve cover gaskets are really leaking so I pulled the covers off and I'd like to check the head tightness. I know harley wants these tightened by the template method. However, I don't want to loosen anything. I'd rather just check to see if they are tight.Is there a set torque that I can use?.I know the '84 specs are 24-26 lb-ft. in steps. What's the diff from that year to '87?? Any help will speed up my work.
Thanks
onewayphil

 

There are several different step torque values given by various aftermarket gasket/engine manufacturers and dealers... HD says 7-9ft/lb, 12-15ft/lb then 90 degrees. Thing is, those values are for OEM gaskets with clean threads, washers and bosses with a light coat of oil on all.

You're wanting to re-torque/check it with the parts already having "grown together" for how ever many miles and however long. In all honesty and in with your engines health in mind, I personally have to advise you don't touch them.

But to answer your question, I just did one an hour ago with new gaskets, clean threads etc and used a follow-up, dial type torque wrench starting at 7, then 9 then 90 degrees. The torque reading on the 90 degree pull was 37ft/lb.

But again, do yourself a favor and don't mess with turning those head bolts unless you tear it down and start from scratch. Otherwise you could end up with a stretched or broken stud, threads pulled out of the engine case, warped head or blown head gasket... or ALL the above.

 

If the head bolts are loose, you will have leakage at the base gasket and head gasket.

If you loosen them and then re-torque them, you will have leakage at the base gasket and head gasket...

I would leave the head bolts alone unless you are ready to pull the cylinders off.

 

Thanks for the info. I kinda thought that loosening the bolts was a no-no. I'll leave them alone! I forgot that they were studs all the way through and not bolts like my shovelhead.
Again, Thanks
onewayphil

 

Plus one to all the above

 

35-40 torque. agree id leave them alone.