• An engine's cylinder head, also called the "head", is located atop the engine's cylinders, which are located in the cylinder block. The entire block component is a platform that includes spark plugs and valves. Torquing, or tightening, bolts on the cylinder head are more complicated than torquing bolts for other components. Verify your engine's torque specifications in your maintenance manual.
  
  

Engine Specifications

• In 1995, the Dodge Dakota had two available engines, the more common of which was the 3.9 liter. This six-cylinder engine had a bore of 3.91 inches and a stroke of 3.31 inches. With a 9.1-to-one compression ratio, this engine produced 175 horsepower at 4,800 rpm and 225 foot-pounds of torque at 3,200 rpm.
  
  With a manual transmission, this engine earned an EPA-estimated fuel economy of between 15 and 17 mpg in the city and between 19 and 23 mpg on the highway. With an automatic transmission, it earned 16 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway.
  
  

Torquing a Cylinder Head

• Applying torque to an engine's cylinder head requires more procedures than applying it to other components. The torque is generally applied in several steps that must be performed in a helical sequence. Helical sequencing involves beginning the torque with the middle-most bolt and working outward in both directions in a swirl pattern. This ensures that the torque is applied evenly to the head.
  
  When you have multiple torque steps, you must apply the first step to every bolt in a helical sequence, then apply the next step in the exact same sequence. However, you should wait about 15 minutes in between steps because the bolts need time to stretch and settle.
  
  

Torque Specifications

• In the 3.9-liter V-6, the cylinder head attaching to the engine block receives its torque application in two steps: first to 50 foot-pounds, second to 105 foot-pounds. Apply the torque in a helical sequence.
  
  The components that attach to the cylinder head receive standard applications of torque. The nuts and bolts of the exhaust manifold require 25 foot-pounds of torque to attach to the cylinder head.
  
  The first two bolts of the intake manifold receive, ultimately, 72 inch-pounds of torque, applied in six 12 inch-pound steps; the rest of the bolts receive 72 inch-pounds, or 6 foot-pounds, of torque. Once all bolts are torqued to 6 foot-pounds, they are all then tightened together to 12 foot-pounds of torque.