Can install Timing Belt Prior to Torqing Head?

[mccor023]

So not a question I want to ask, but can it be done?
I ask because I rebuilt the head and had everything ready to reassemble this weekend since Im off. The head bolts were the last to come in and I saw they were the wrong ones and wont get the right ones till mid-week.
I'm impatient so I was thinking of maybe getting everything assembled this weekend and then I could just torq down the bolts one night this week when they come in.

I have old bolts in the head now simply as a place holder

[Cabriolet]

Nope.

[SmokeE30]

could you? probably, should you? no. just wait, i know its frustrating but many times doing it the hard way is easier in the end.

[Andy.B]

I read TB as throttle body, not timing belt. Haha. For a minute I was thinking 'why the heck couldn't he bolt the manifold and throttle body on first?'

[whodwho]

Nope.

Why?

I don't see an issue with it, just don't add fluids. Swap them out an do a normal torque sequence

[mccor023]

My thinking was the only complication that might arise is if the belt would fit a loosely mounted head. I realize fluids cant be added, but I was hoping as long as my marks correctly pointed to TDC there would be no interference.

[whodwho]

If you snug them down with no torque so the head isn't moving I doubt the couple thou crushing the gasket is going to effect the TB tension by any significant amount

[Cabriolet]

Why?

I don't see an issue with it, just don't add fluids. Swap them out an do a normal torque sequence

you will mess with the correct tension of the head bolts. will will also try to pull the head forward. it's something that should not be done. it only is a 10min job. theres no reason to rush and put it on.

[mccor023]

you will mess with the correct tension of the head bolts. will will also try to pull the head forward. it's something that should not be done. it only is a 10min job. theres no reason to rush and put it on.

First there are temp "old" head bolts lightly screwed in holding the head in place.

But, second and really come on tb install with cooling lines, radiator, senosors, and intake takes more than 10 mins.

[TobyB]

TB is throttle body.

Timing belt is spelt out.

Spelt is a kind of grain.

Smelt is a kind of fish.

I would NOT put the timing belt on until the head's torqued. Patience is a virtue!

She was also my 2nd grade teacher. And boy, was SHE mis- named.

Putting the belt on with the head loose may cause problems. Waiting will not.

t

[whodwho]

you will mess with the correct tension of the head bolts. will will also try to pull the head forward. it's something that should not be done. it only is a 10min job. theres no reason to rush and put it on.

That would not be an issue, he hasn't torqued anything and the correct tension of the head bolts will be set with the torque steps and the torque sequence. The head would not currently move as it is positioned with the locating dowels.

[Liquidity]

TB is throttle body not timing belt.

[digger]

its possible if several of the old bolts are snug tight when doing it.

[Cabriolet]

That would not be an issue, he hasn't torqued anything and the correct tension of the head bolts will be set with the torque steps and the torque sequence. The head would not currently move as it is positioned with the locating dowels.

Srsly are we doing this?

The timing belt when tensioned properly will pull down on the front side and lift the rear of the head. This will ruin the head gasket. Also then when you go to tighten it down with the new bolts you will loosen the timing belt as the head gasket is compressed. It takes 10 minutes to do the timing belt, wait and do it after the head bolts have been torqued down properly.

For the rest of the people. TB/WP is timing belt / water pump. No one use TB as throttle body on here.

[digger]

initially i read TB as throttle body and thought the OP was on drugs