What is the torque specification for Honda CRV cylinder head bolts?
2 Answers
Honda CRV cylinder head bolts require 8-9 kg of torque. The method for tightening cylinder head bolts in the engine is as follows: Tighten from the center outward: First tighten to 50% of the final torque from the center outward, then fully loosen all bolts. Tighten from the center outward again: Tighten to 50% from the center outward, then follow the sequence of center first and then outward to fully tighten. Engine cylinder heads can be divided into two types: Side-valve engine cylinder head: Casted with water jacket, water inlet hole, water outlet hole, spark plug hole, bolt holes, combustion chamber, etc. Overhead-valve engine cylinder head: In addition to the cooling water jacket, it also includes valve mechanism, intake and exhaust passages, etc.
Let me explain this in detail. With over 20 years of car repair experience, I can tell you that Honda CR-V cylinder head bolts aren't measured in kilograms - the torque unit is Newton meters. Based on my experience, for a 2017 CR-V with 1.5T engine, the cylinder head bolts require about 83 Nm of torque. You need to use a torque wrench and tighten them diagonally from the center outward in two stages - first lightly, then to full torque. If they're too loose, the gasket will fail, causing oil leaks or coolant entering the combustion chamber. Overtightening can snap the bolts or even crack the engine block, which is serious trouble. I've seen many DIYers go by feel and end up replacing the entire engine at huge cost - better to visit the dealership where they have exact factory specifications. This is the crucial point in cylinder head maintenance - don't cut corners only to face bigger problems later.
