Mitsubishi Mitsubishi Galant 2004-2012 3.8L V6 Engine Bolt Torque Specifications & Fastener Values
Mitsubishi Mitsubishi Galant 2004-2012

Mitsubishi Mitsubishi Galant 2004-2012 3.8L V6 Engine Bolt Torque Specifications

Detailed torque specifications for the 3.8L V6 engine bolts in the 2004-2012 Mitsubishi Galant. Includes cylinder head, main bearing, connecting rod, and other critical bolt torque values.

Updated

Important Information

Safety guidelines and reference information for proper torque application

Quick Reference Guide
ft-lbs → Nm
× 1.356
ft-lbs → kg-m
× 0.138
Nm → ft-lbs
× 0.738
in-lbs → ft-lbs
× 0.083

Common Torque Patterns

Star Pattern

Used for wheels and other circular bolt patterns

Star Pattern torque pattern diagram showing proper bolt tightening sequence
Cross Pattern

Used for gaskets and cover plates

Cross Pattern torque pattern diagram showing proper bolt tightening sequence
Sequential Pattern

Used for head bolts and other critical components

Sequential Pattern torque pattern diagram showing proper bolt tightening sequence

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Over-tightening

Exceeding the specified torque value can stretch or break fasteners, damage threads, or crack components.

Prevention:

Always use a calibrated torque wrench and follow specifications exactly.

Incorrect Torque Sequence

Tightening bolts in the wrong order can cause uneven pressure distribution and potential leaks or damage.

Prevention:

Follow the manufacturer's specified torque sequence pattern.

Dirty Threads

Dirt, rust, or old thread locker can affect torque readings and proper fastener tension.

Prevention:

Clean and inspect all threads before assembly. Use new thread locker if specified.

Reusing TTY Bolts

Torque-to-yield bolts are designed to stretch and must not be reused.

Prevention:

Always replace TTY bolts with new ones. They are single-use only.

Dry vs. Lubricated

Not accounting for whether torque specs are for dry or lubricated fasteners can lead to incorrect tension.

Prevention:

Check if specs are for dry or lubricated threads. Use specified lubricant when required.

Recommended Tools

Torque Wrench (1/4" Drive)

Range: 2-25 ft-lbs
Small fasteners, delicate components

Torque Wrench (3/8" Drive)

Range: 10-100 ft-lbs
Most common automotive fasteners

Torque Wrench (1/2" Drive)

Range: 30-250 ft-lbs
Large fasteners, wheels

Angle Gauge

Torque-to-yield (TTY) bolts

Torque Wrench Care

  • Calibrate annually or after 5,000 clicks
  • Store at lowest setting
  • Keep clean and lubricated

Search Specifications

Search by component name, bolt size, or description

Torque Calculator

Convert between different torque units

Cylinder head and valvetrain

Components that make up the cylinder head and valvetrain, including cylinder head bolts, valve cover bolts, and rocker arm/shaft bolts.

1

Cylinder Head Bolts

M12 x 1.5
Torque Value
18 ft-lbs (25 N·m)
Important Notes
Proper torque is crucial to maintain the head gasket's integrity.
2

Valve Cover Bolts

M8 x 1.25
Torque Value
36 ft-lbs (49 N·m)
Important Notes
Proper torque maintains the valve cover gasket's seal.
3

Rocker Arms/Shafts Bolts

M10 x 1.5
Torque Value
17 ft-lbs (23 N·m)
Important Notes
Proper torque maintains the rocker arm/shaft gasket's seal.

Engine block and crankshaft

Components that make up the engine block and crankshaft, including main bearing bolts, connecting rod nuts, and crankshaft pulley/harmonic balancer bolt.

1

Main Bearing Bolts

M14 x 2.0
Torque Value
61 ft-lbs (83 N·m)
Important Notes
Proper torque ensures the bearings are securely seated and the crankshaft is properly aligned.
2

Connecting Rod Nuts

M12 x 1.75
Torque Value
40 ft-lbs (54 N·m)
Important Notes
Proper torque is essential for the engine's balance and performance.
3

Crankshaft Pulley/Harmonic Balancer Bolt

M16 x 2.0
Torque Value
130 ft-lbs (176 N·m)
Important Notes
Proper torque ensures the pulley or balancer is properly seated and functioning correctly.

Timing system

Components that make up the timing system, including timing belt/chain tensioner bolt and camshaft sprocket bolt.

1

Timing Belt/Chain Tensioner Bolt

M10 x 1.5
Torque Value
17 ft-lbs (23 N·m)
Important Notes
Proper torque ensures the timing belt or chain is properly seated and functioning correctly.
2

Camshaft Sprocket Bolt

M12 x 1.75
Torque Value
49 ft-lbs (67 N·m)
Important Notes
Proper torque ensures the sprocket is properly seated and the valve timing is accurate.

Engine mounts and transmission

Components that make up the engine mounts and transmission, including engine block to transmission mounting bolts and engine block to engine mounting bolts.

1

Engine Block to Transmission Mounting Bolts

M14 x 2.0
Torque Value
55 ft-lbs (75 N·m)
Important Notes
Proper torque is essential for the engine's balance and performance.
2

Engine Block to Engine Mounting Bolts

M12 x 1.75
Torque Value
55 ft-lbs (75 N·m)
Important Notes
Proper torque is essential for the engine's balance and performance.

Intake and exhaust system

Components that make up the intake and exhaust system, including intake manifold bolts, exhaust manifold/header bolts, and throttle body bolts.

1

Intake Manifold Bolts

M10 x 1.5
Torque Value
16 ft-lbs (22 N·m)
Important Notes
Proper torque maintains the intake manifold gasket's seal.
2

Exhaust Manifold/Headers Bolts

M12 x 1.75
Torque Value
29 ft-lbs (39 N·m)
Important Notes
Proper torque maintains the exhaust manifold/header gasket's seal.
3

Throttle Body Bolts

M8 x 1.25
Torque Value
9.5 ft-lbs (13 N·m)
Important Notes
Proper torque maintains the throttle body gasket's seal.

Fuel system

Components that make up the fuel system, including fuel rail bolts and fuel injector bolts.

1

Fuel Rail Bolts

M10 x 1.5
Torque Value
14 ft-lbs (19 N·m)
Important Notes
Proper torque maintains the fuel rail gasket's seal.
2

Fuel Injector Bolts

M8 x 1.25
Torque Value
14 ft-lbs (19 N·m)
Important Notes
Proper torque maintains the fuel injector gasket's seal.

Cooling system

Components that make up the cooling system, including water pump bolts, water pump pulley bolts, and thermostat housing bolts.

1

Water Pump Bolts

M10 x 1.5
Torque Value
13 ft-lbs (18 N·m)
Important Notes
Proper torque maintains the water pump gasket's seal.
2

Water Pump Pulley Bolts

M8 x 1.25
Torque Value
13 ft-lbs (18 N·m)
Important Notes
Proper torque maintains the pulley gasket's seal.
3

Thermostat Housing Bolts

M10 x 1.5
Torque Value
13 ft-lbs (18 N·m)
Important Notes
Proper torque maintains the thermostat housing gasket's seal.

Ignition system

Components that make up the ignition system, including spark plugs and ignition coil bolt.

1

Spark Plugs

M14 x 1.25
Torque Value
15 ft-lbs (20 N·m)
Important Notes
Proper torque prevents the spark plugs from coming loose and causing engine damage.
2

Ignition Coil Bolt

M8 x 1.25
Torque Value
6.6 ft-lbs (9 N·m)
Important Notes
Proper torque maintains the ignition coil gasket's seal.

Engine sensors

Components that make up the engine sensors, including crankshaft position sensor bolt, camshaft position sensor bolt, and engine oil pressure sensor bolt.

1

Crankshaft Position Sensor Bolt

M8 x 1.25
Torque Value
10 ft-lbs (14 N·m)
Important Notes
Proper torque maintains the sensor's gasket seal.
2

Camshaft Position Sensor Bolt

M8 x 1.25
Torque Value
10 ft-lbs (14 N·m)
Important Notes
Proper torque maintains the sensor's gasket seal.
3

Engine Oil Pressure Sensor Bolt

M8 x 1.25
Torque Value
10 ft-lbs (14 N·m)
Important Notes
Proper torque maintains the sensor's gasket seal.

Oil system

Components that make up the oil system, including oil pan bolts and oil filter cap.

1

Oil Pan Bolts

M10 x 1.5
Torque Value
6.6 ft-lbs (9 N·m)
Important Notes
Proper torque maintains the oil pan gasket's seal.
2

Oil Filter Cap

N/A
Torque Value
Hand tight plus 1/2 turn ft-lbs (N/A N·m)
Important Notes
Proper torque maintains the oil filter gasket's seal.

Troubleshooting Guide

Common issues, diagnostic steps, and prevention guidelines

Common Issues

Bolt stretching, stripped threads, uneven torque patterns

Loose Components

Symptoms:
  • Rattling or vibration noises
  • Visible movement in components
  • Uneven panel gaps
Solutions:
  • Clean threads and mounting surfaces
  • Replace damaged fasteners
  • Apply proper torque in sequence
  • Use thread locker if specified

Stripped Fasteners

Symptoms:
  • Unable to achieve proper torque
  • Fastener spins freely
  • Visible thread damage
Solutions:
  • Use thread repair kit if appropriate
  • Install thread insert (HeliCoil)
  • Replace component if threaded hole is damaged
  • Upgrade to higher grade fastener if recommended

Overtightened Components

Symptoms:
  • Cracked or deformed parts
  • Broken fasteners
  • Compressed gaskets or seals
Solutions:
  • Replace damaged components
  • Use new fasteners
  • Follow proper torque sequence
  • Verify correct torque specifications

Diagnostic Steps

Visual inspection, torque verification, thread assessment

1

Visual Inspection

Inspect the affected area for any visible signs of damage or wear

  • Check for cracks or deformation
  • Look for signs of excessive wear
  • Verify proper fastener installation
2

Torque Verification

Verify the torque applied to the fasteners

  • Check the torque wrench calibration
  • Verify the torque specification
  • Compare the applied torque to the specification
3

Thread Assessment

Assess the condition of the threads

  • Check for signs of thread damage
  • Verify the thread type and size
  • Check for proper thread engagement

Prevention Guidelines

Best practices, maintenance tips, tool care

Best Practices

  • Always follow the recommended torque specification
  • Use the correct type and size of fasteners
  • Verify the torque wrench calibration regularly

Maintenance Tips

  • Regularly inspect the affected area for signs of wear or damage
  • Replace damaged or worn-out components promptly
  • Keep the work area clean and organized

Tool Care

  • Regularly clean and maintain the torque wrench
  • Store the torque wrench in a dry and secure location
  • Verify the torque wrench calibration before each use

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about torque specifications

Q1

What are the torque specifications for the cylinder head bolts on the 3.8L V6 engine?

The cylinder head bolts on the 2004-2012 Mitsubishi Galant 3.8L V6 engine should be torqued in three stages: first to 29 lb-ft, then to 58 lb-ft, and finally an additional 90-degree turn. Always follow the manufacturer's sequence to avoid warping the cylinder head.

Q2

How often should I check the torque on engine components?

Torque checks should be performed during routine maintenance or after any major engine work. For example, after replacing the timing belt or performing a head gasket repair, recheck the torque on critical components like the cylinder head bolts and main bearing caps to ensure proper tightness.

Q3

Can I reuse the cylinder head bolts on the 3.8L V6 engine?

No, the cylinder head bolts on the 3.8L V6 engine are torque-to-yield (TTY) bolts and should not be reused. These bolts are designed to stretch during installation, and reusing them can lead to improper clamping force and potential engine damage.

Environmental Considerations

Temperature, humidity, and seasonal effects on torque specifications

Temperature Effects

Includes: High Heat, Cold Weather, Thermal Cycling

Temperature can significantly impact torque values and fastener behavior

Cold Weather

Effects:
  • Increased material brittleness
  • Higher torque required due to thread contraction
  • Reduced thread lubricant effectiveness
Recommendations:
  • Allow components to warm to room temperature when possible
  • Consider using winter-grade thread lubricants
  • Check torque values more frequently during winter months

Hot Weather

Effects:
  • Thermal expansion of components
  • Decreased friction in threads
  • Accelerated lubricant breakdown
Recommendations:
  • Check torque when components are at normal operating temperature
  • Use temperature-resistant thread lockers
  • Consider re-torquing after heat cycles

Humidity and Corrosion

Covers: Rust Prevention, Salt Exposure, Moisture Control

Moisture and corrosion can affect fastener integrity and torque values

High Humidity

Effects:
  • Accelerated corrosion formation
  • Reduced friction coefficient
  • Potential thread seizing
Prevention:
  • Use corrosion-resistant fasteners
  • Apply appropriate anti-seize compounds
  • Maintain proper protective coatings

Salt Exposure

Effects:
  • Rapid corrosion development
  • Thread damage
  • Seized fasteners
Prevention:
  • Regular underbody washing
  • Use of sacrificial anodes where appropriate
  • Application of protective coatings

Seasonal Maintenance

Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter maintenance schedules

Spring

  • Inspect for winter damage
  • Clean and protect exposed fasteners
  • Check torque on critical components

Summer

  • Monitor heat-affected components
  • Check expansion-related loosening
  • Inspect cooling system mounts

Fall

  • Prepare for winter conditions
  • Apply corrosion protection
  • Verify all fasteners are properly torqued

Winter

  • More frequent inspection of critical fasteners
  • Check for salt damage
  • Monitor suspension component torque

Related Resources

Tools, service procedures, and technical bulletins

Recommended Tools

Torque Wrench

A precision tool used to apply a specific torque to a fastener such as a bolt or nut.

  • Adjustable torque settings
  • Click-type mechanism for accuracy
Learn more

Socket Set

A set of sockets in various sizes to fit different bolts and nuts.

  • Includes both metric and standard sizes
  • Durable chrome vanadium construction
Learn more

Thread Locker

A chemical compound used to secure threaded fasteners.

  • Prevents loosening due to vibration
  • Available in different strengths
Learn more
Service Procedures

Cylinder Head Bolt Torque Procedure

Detailed steps for properly torquing the cylinder head bolts on the 3.8L V6 engine.

  • Clean the bolt threads and bolt holes thoroughly.
  • Apply a small amount of engine oil to the threads and under the bolt heads.
  • Tighten the bolts in the specified sequence to 30 Nm (22 ft-lbs).
  • Tighten the bolts again in the specified sequence to 60 Nm (44 ft-lbs).
  • Finally, tighten the bolts an additional 90 degrees in the specified sequence.
View full procedure

Main Bearing Cap Bolt Torque Procedure

Steps for torquing the main bearing cap bolts on the 3.8L V6 engine.

  • Clean the bolt threads and bolt holes thoroughly.
  • Apply a small amount of engine oil to the threads and under the bolt heads.
  • Tighten the bolts in the specified sequence to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs).
  • Tighten the bolts again in the specified sequence to 50 Nm (37 ft-lbs).
  • Finally, tighten the bolts an additional 90 degrees in the specified sequence.
View full procedure
Technical Service Bulletins

Engine Bolt Torque Specification Update

2008-05-15

Updated torque specifications for engine bolts on 2004-2012 Mitsubishi Galant with 3.8L V6 engine.

2004-2012 Mitsubishi Galant

Resolution: Refer to the updated service manual for revised torque specifications and procedures.

Cylinder Head Bolt Failure

2010-03-22

Reports of cylinder head bolt failures on 2004-2012 Mitsubishi Galant with 3.8L V6 engine.

2004-2012 Mitsubishi Galant

Resolution: Ensure proper torque sequence and specifications are followed. Replace any damaged bolts with OEM parts.

About the Author

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Alan Montanye - Automotive Technical Specialist
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Alan Montanye

Automotive Technical Specialist

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