Head Bolt Installation Instructions

Helms Volume 3 of 3 6-540 Engine Mechanical - 5.7L

Preparation

Clean all dirt, debris, and coolant from the engine block cylinder head bolt holes. Failure to remove all foreign material may result in damaged threads, improperly tightened fasteners or damage to components.

STEP	ACTION
1	Using a M11X2.0 cut thread tap, clean the engine block head bolt hole threads.
2	Spray cleaner GM 12346139, 12377981, or equivalent into the hole.
3	Clean the cylinder head bolt holes out with compressed air.
4	Check the cylinder head location pins for correct alignment.
5	Install the new Right/Left cylinder head gasket onto the locating pins.
6	Install the cylinder head onto the locating pins and the gasket.
7	Install (not tighten) the M11 cylinder head bolts
8	Apply a 5mm (0.20 in) band of thread-lock GM P/N 12345382 or equivalent to the threads of the M8 cylinder head bolts.
9	Install (not tighten) the M8 cylinder head bolts.
10	See this to tighten the head bolts and for the pattern. >>Torque & Head Bolt Pattern<<

So, some are dry and some are lubricated with thread-lock.

Also, all bolts are “torque to yield” so you MUST USE NEW BOLTS when you replace the heads.

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