ford 3.8 liter cylinder head torque procedure

[drchumly]

I am looking for the correct procedure for torqueing cylinder heads on a Ford 3.8 liter V-6 engines in 91 Ford Thunderbird and 92 Mercury Cougar (non Turbo or SC). The specs and procedure in my books is not very clear or should I say confusing. Any help appreciated.

 

[TheBlacksmith]

I don't have that manual, but is it referring to "angle torque?" Basically, you use a torque wrench to set some low value as specified, say 50 ft-lb. This brings all the pieces together. Then you do several degree turns in the same sequence; say; two 90 degree turns. This takes out many variables, such as friction and galling on the threads - if the bolt is 16 thread per inch, two 90 degrees give the gasket 1/32 inch compression every time. BTW- one 180 is not the same, nor is four 45's, there is a small amount of bolt windup before the threads move - this is factored in. Just;
1) Preload to torque specified - follow the torque sequence
2) Place your wrench at a convenient angle, say 12 O'clock, than in one smooth move, bring it to 3 o'clock for a 90 degree angle torque. Follow the torque sequence. Repeat as directed in manual.
We also used to teach mechanics to put a dot of paint on the bolt as a visual aid, with dots on the head every 90 degrees for as many times as required.

Important, many of the Fords also use "torque to yield" bolts. They are to be thrown away upon disassembly. They are designed to stretch slightly when torqued and will not do it a second time, the bolt will break or not clamp tight enough and the gasket will fail!

Blacksmith.

 

[chevygirl]

I need to find out the torque for a 88 ford ranger pickup truck with a 2.3L engine. I am having a very hard time finding it. Any help would be greatly appreciated.