Motorcycle Repair: FLH blown head gasket, blown head gasket, head bolts


Question
I am using the new type coated metal gasket and tightening in a criss cross pattern. ie. right back, left front, left back, right front, center front. It is impossible to get a torque wrench on the bolt heads without using a knuckle joint and am allowing 5 ft. lbs per 5 degree angle. Do you have another suggestion for this problem also?   Thanks, Carol
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Followup To

Question -
I have a 75 FLH that keeps bowing the rear head gasket. Have had cylinders bored, new pistons, reworked heads, but still is blowing gasket. What else can I look for to fix problem? Always blows in same place at left side on back of cylinder.    Thanks, Carol

Answer -
What type of gaskets are you using and how are you tightening them?
Mike

Answer
On the shovels there is no torque on the hear bolts. Install the new gasket and tighten in a cross pattern like you were. Now tighten the head bolts as tight as you can get them. There is a special wrench for shovels that is made for doing this so you dont have to use a knuckle joint. Start he bike and let it warm up good. After it is warm go back and tighten the bolts again.
Good luck and happy riding
Mike