novice question - cylinder head bolts

[AlpineCab]

Do I need to use any light oil when refitting the cylinder head bolts? Or anything else for that matter?

I gather there is set order to follow when refiting the bolts, also have got the torques (30Nm then 90 deg then 90deg)

Anything else to consider?

Cheers

[Grrrmachine]

You say "refitting". You're not putting old bolts back in, are you?

And which engine?

[AlpineCab]

No, no, no.... not that much of a novice!

Engine is an M20 2.0 engine that has been suffering from ever increasing water loss over past couple of years. Already had head gasket replaced but no change, so suspect head water jacket is cracked (and praying it's not the block), and decided to give it a go myself. So far all has gone text-book - very satisfying and not even one f@@k muttered under the breath - noticed missing some bits from the engine such as the pin and spring that go on to the timing belt tensioner, plus the black plastic tray that protects the position sensor...

So back to the point...
- rebuilt an alternative head which has already been skimmed down to the dimples.
- got the extra thick BMW gasket for skimmed heads
- got new BMW torq head bolts
- and plan on re-using the washers.

Its all ready to go back together, but just want to be sure I'm not missing anything when I start to put the head bolts back in.

[Speedtouch]

Have you tried using a straight edge against the block and head to make sure they're not warped?

[AlpineCab]

Head yes - block no (good point)

What about the headbolts? do I screw them in "as is" or use any machine oil, compound or anything?

[bmw9818]

think you can use some oil to prevent sqeaking

[AlpineCab]

think you can use some oil to prevent sqeaking

Not sure I follow, or are you going to tell me to use a left handed screw driver next?

BTW BMW tech specs do advise washing the bolts first before use.

[scjimbo]

think you can use some oil to prevent sqeaking

They can groan quite a bit from the friction of doing them up. Use a small amount of clean engine oil on the surface between the head of the bolt and the washer.

DO NOT put oil down the holes into the block. These need to be mopped out so there is not gunk before refitting. Not doing this can cause hydraulic pressure to crack your lump.

[bmw9818]

think you can use some oil to prevent sqeaking

Not sure I follow, or are you going to tell me to use a left handed screw driver next?

BTW BMW tech specs do advise washing the bolts first before use.

If your left handed u can do, but a torque wrench is what you need, what I'm saying is lightly oil the top of the bolt as said above, to prevent the squeak so you can tell when the wrench clicks, iv had the issue it was hard to hear the click cause there was dodgy noises when I was tightening it,

[AlpineCab]

think you can use some oil to prevent sqeaking

Not sure I follow, or are you going to tell me to use a left handed screw driver next?

BTW BMW tech specs do advise washing the bolts first before use.

If your left handed u can do, but a torque wrench is what you need, what I'm saying is lightly oil the top of the bolt as said above, to prevent the squeak so you can tell when the wrench clicks, iv had the issue it was hard to hear the click cause there was dodgy noises when I was tightening it,

Gotcha, thats exactly the sort of tip I'm looking for.

Cheers.