I have a 1994 caravan, 2.5/5 speed 225000 miles. The car should be ‘put to sleep’ but it keeps running … sort of …
The head was replaced @ 145000; & 6 mo. ago it started leaking (compression in the cooling& over heating).
I just now figured out the head bolts are only torqued to 45ft# instead of 65+1/4 turn.
My ? is should I dare to turn the bolts another 1/4 turn? and will it help
thanks
First of all, where did you get 65 “plus a quarter turn?” I think you’re confusing head bolts with spark plugs. Head bolts have a specified torque, period. Not “plus a quarter turn.”
Next, how did you determine that your head bolts were torqued to 45 (foot-pounds, I assume)? Did you take the valve cover off and check the torque of the head bolts with a calibrated torque wrench?
… from the Repair Book, oddly enough,… engine cold/ clockwise/ 1: to 45 ft lbs 2: 65 3: again 65 4:1/4 turn …
yes, when a torque wrench is applied to the head bolts @ 45ft lbs the bolt turns … following the steps and sequence, the bolts have turned in an 1/8th of a turn …
Someone more knowledgeable can hopefully respond, but some bolts are one time use only. If they reused the old bolts you may be courting disaster, ie a broken head bolt by messing with them. Don’t fix it if it ain’t broke. Sounds like time for a redo.
Readers: please do not torque your spark plugs to 65 ftlbs, much less 65 ftlbs and a quarter turn. This will result in the very least your plugs being over torqued X3.
Head bolts were new with new factory head, car is far beyond broke and near buried, but still runs …
Giving a specific torque specs and then x fraction of a turn is not uncommon.
I’m wondering how the OP knows that they were torqued to 45.
If the head is already leaking then the worst that happens by retorque is that it doesn’t work and/or you break one or two off. Get a torque wrench on then & go to 65 then add the 1/4 turn.
But this all sounds wacky to me.
I stand corrected about the “plus 1/4 turn” torque spec. Never heard of such a thing for head bolts, but I’m learning 
Sure you could try, but chances are the head gasket is shot and no amount of tightening will repair that.