Snapped a head bolt.
Snapped a head bolt. I was torquing the little 10mm head bolts to 22ft/lbs when one snapped. So I pulled the head off and went to extract the bolt and it was barely tighter than finger tight coming out. Is it common for the GM TTY head bolts to snap like that??? Maybe a defective one? Kinda baffled on that one, luckily a buddy has a spare set of bolts and gaskets laying around. I'm not gonna lie when it snapped all the worst thoughts went through my head 
That's good to hear. So many get it right the third time around.
I think you just had a fluke bad bolt. Good thing it went now not in use.
I'd recommend stepping up to ARP bolts. You'll sleep better, especially after this happened.
I think you just had a fluke bad bolt. Good thing it went now not in use.
I'd recommend stepping up to ARP bolts. You'll sleep better, especially after this happened.
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you do know gm updated the service info years ago to replace them right?
also make sure you have the hole clean specifically of any fluids. I'm betting it was a bad bolt but it doesn't take much twisting force to snap the shank when the bottom is hydro-locked. just something to keep in mind
I am definitely taking it in, can't trust it right now until it's verified.
If it was my car I would probably upgrade after this, but i'm doing the install for a friend so that's his call.
I have a process for the bolt holes starting with a shop vac with a pencil tube extension and then clean the threads so I'm pretty sure that wasn't the issue.
Once I get the torque wrench calibration verified i'll have a more definitive answer.
Once I get the torque wrench calibration verified i'll have a more definitive answer.
you do know gm updated the service info years ago to replace them right?
also make sure you have the hole clean specifically of any fluids. I'm betting it was a bad bolt but it doesn't take much twisting force to snap the shank when the bottom is hydro-locked. just something to keep in mind
also make sure you have the hole clean specifically of any fluids. I'm betting it was a bad bolt but it doesn't take much twisting force to snap the shank when the bottom is hydro-locked. just something to keep in mind
TECH Addict
Joined: Sep 2009
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From: PA/MD
I had a new stock head bolt snap on mine one time (one of the big ones). It snapped before I was even close to torque.....sucks, but defective parts happen.
I got lucky and it spun right out easily with an extractor
I got lucky and it spun right out easily with an extractor
Yah I figure it was just a fluke, I've been using nothing but GM TTY bolts for years.
i did that once, luckily it was #10 so we pulled the manifold and backed it out but yes if you put too much torque on them they will snap. get your torque wrench checked but more importantly don't use a torque wrench on your intake manifold bolts. do them in sequence then get them snug plus 1/4 turn and you'll be good and wont break more bolts