Torquing the Head Bolts

As there are two procedures for torquing head bolts that depend on the year of your car and its engine. Please read carefully.

I have taken these instructions from an official Fiat Factory Service Manual so I presume the details are correct. I cannot be responsible for any errors or damage that could occur to your car.

NOTE: Engines built after number 4028877 (w/o air conditioning) or 4037356 (with air conditioning) are equipped with 17 mm hex bolts. Use special wrench A.50172



Install all new gaskets. Head gasket is installed with word "ALTO" facing up.

On vehicles with 19 mm bolts and nuts, tighten bolts in order shown. Torque in at least two stages. Final torque is 69 ft. lbs. (9.5 kgm).


On vehicles with 17 mm bolts, lubricate all bolts and washers with SAE 30 engine oil. Let excess oil drip from bolts and washers for 30 minutes.
NOTE: In the next steps, tighten and torque cylinder head bolts in sequence shown.
Using wrenches A.50172 torque all cylinder head bolts to 14.5 ft. lbs. (2 kgm),
Retorque all bolts to 29 ft. lbs. (4 kgm).



Apply paint marks to one corner of all head bolts and a corresponding mark to the cylinder head.
Using wrenches A.50172, tighten all head bolts to a 90° angle (1).
Retighten all head bolts to a second 90° angle (2).
NOTE: All cylinder head bolts must have been tightened a total of 180 in two stages.


Lindsay Thachuk
visimp@telus.net