Correct order for removing head bolts?

[fastback4]

Is there a correct order to follow when removing the head bolts from an aluminum head?. I've heard wait untill engine is cool and start from the outward bolts and work towards the middle and i've heard start from the middle and work outwards. Any real proceedure to follow here?

[SappySE107]

Other than being cold, not that I am aware of.

[bszopi]

When I did it last month (?), I started in one corner and went around clockwise until they were all out.

[robertisaar]

i guess if you REALLY felt the need, you could take them out in the reverse order that they were torqued...

[Superdave]

get 8 impact guns and take them all out at the same time

[bob442]

get 8 impact guns and take them all out at the same time

LMAO!!!

[02LS]

get 8 impact guns and take them all out at the same time

this is what i do. my poor air compressor but it sure it fun crowding 4 guys in one engine bay, i mean.. we probably shouldn't be drunk BEFORE the tools, but what can you do.

there is no specific way to remove head bolts, just don't strip anything or break the heads off.

[60dgrzbelow0]

According to many High Performance engine builders in the Olden Days... following the reverse torquing patterns is their method for disassembling heads from engines because for aluminum heads in particular... not doing so can cause the heads to warp. The basis for this is that the squeezing procedure imparts stress in graduations as the heads are being tightened that remains at each bolt-on point for the entire life of the install. If the bolts are removed out of that order, then the metal castings cannot recover in a manner that prevents the heads from lifting off the block at the wrong point while still being squeezed down tightly at the remaining positions... warping or cracking can result.

When the stress on metal components is relieved gradually... the heads will sort of spring back in the order of the tightening pattern during the install and for all intents and purposes...return to their flat, true machined condition they were in just prior to being bolted down. Aluminum not being as rigid as cast iron and steel makes this reverse procedure for unbolting your heads a wise policy. And besides...how can it hurt doing it this way? There is also one other consideration and reason for doing it this way. Who is to say the engine block mating surfaces are not under the same bending and load conditions as well... being cautious here and using the reverse torque method might just keep you from having to re-deck the block, too. Please consider that when properly honing an engine block...its best to torque down a thick steel plate to impart all the stress mentioned above ...so when the bores are honed...they will be arrow straight when the engine is finally assembled and the heads properly torqued down.

Please take moment and read this image (screen print) of the R&R procedures for a 2006 Toyota Tacoma 4 Cylinder Engine with an aluminum head for the definitive reasons to follow the above described suggestions.