1KD Cylinder Head Installation Instructions, Torque Sequence and Info
1. Selecting the right head gasket.
There are 5 sizes of new cylinder head gaskets, marked “A”, “B”, “C”, “D” or “E” according.
Installed cylinder head gasket thickness:
| Gasket | Installed thickness |
|---|---|
| A | 0.80 – 0.90 mm (0.0315 – 0.0354 in.) |
| B | 0.85 – 0.95 mm (0.0335 – 0.0374 in.) |
| C | 0.90 – 1.00 mm (0.0354 – 0.0394 in.) |
| D | 0.95 – 1.05 mm (0.0374 – 0.0413 in.) |
| E | 1.00 – 1.10 mm (0.0394 – 0.0433 in.) |
Select the largest piston protrusion value from the measurements made, then select the appropriate cylinder head gasket according to the table below.
| Piston protrusion | Gasket size | |
|---|---|---|
| mm | (in.) | |
| 0.005 – 0.054 | 0.00019 – 0.00213 | Use A |
| 0.055 – 0.104 | 0.00217 – 0.00409 | Use B |
| 0.105 – 0.154 | 0.00413 – 0.00606 | Use C |
| 0.155 – 0.204 | 0.00610 – 0.00803 | Use D |
| 0.205 – 0.255 | 0.00807 – 0.01004 | Use E |
Left rear of head = firewall side.
Right front of head = radiator side.
Installing Cylinder Head Bolts (Torque to yield)
- Tighten the head bolts in 3 stages.
Step (a): Lightly oil the bolt threads and undersides of the heads.
Step (b): Tighten all 18 bolts evenly in sequence.
Torque: 85 N·m (63 ft·lbf)
Step (c): Mark each bolt at the front with paint.
Step (d): Turn each bolt an additional 90° in sequence.
Step (e): Turn each bolt another 90°.
Step (f): Make sure the paint mark now faces the rear.
Installing ARP Head Studs – Toyota 1KD-FTV
Tighten the head stud nuts in 3 stages.
Step (a): Prepare the Studs
Lightly coat the block-end threads of each stud with ARP Ultra-Torque lubricant.
Install all studs finger-tight only until they bottom out in the block.
Do not use a hex key to tighten the studs into the block.
Step (b): Fit the Head Gasket
Confirm the correct thickness head gasket is being used.
Fit the gasket dry over the two locating dowels.
Do not apply any sealant to the head gasket.
Step (c): Install the Cylinder Head
Carefully lower the cylinder head over the dowels until it is fully seated with no gap.
Ensure the head mating surface is clean and completely free of lubricant.
Step (d): Lubricate Washers & Nuts
Place a thin smear of ARP Ultra-Torque on the top face of each washer.
Apply another smear of Ultra-Torque to the threads of each stud above the head.
Install one lubricated ARP nut on each stud.
If necessary, back a stud off slightly so the nut has full thread engagement before tightening.
Step (e): Tighten the Nuts in Sequence
Once all nuts are seated, tighten them evenly in the correct sequence in three stages. For example:
- Stage 1: 60 Nm
- Stage 2: 120 Nm
- Stage 3: Final torque (see below)
Step (f): Final Torque Settings
Standard final torque:
170 Nm (125 ft·lbf) – approximately 75% of the stud’s yield strength (about 8,636 kg / 19,000 lbs of clamping load). Suitable for most applications.
Higher final torque (only if all surfaces are flat and in good condition and minor leakage persists):
190 Nm (140 ft·lbf) – approximately 85% of the stud’s yield strength (about 9,772 kg / 21,500 lbs of clamping load).
Note: 193 Nm is the highest torque value we have personally tested on these studs. Your results may vary (YMMV), and it is your responsibility to ensure suitability for your specific build.
Step (g): Reusing ARP Studs and Nuts
If ARP studs or nuts are being reused, apply fresh ARP Ultra-Torque but reduce the final torque slightly below the values listed above.
Previously torqued hardware can have polished threads, which lowers friction and can effectively increase clamp load at the same Nm setting, risking over-torque.
Disclaimer:
All information provided is general in nature and based on typical 1KD-FTV specifications. Your results may vary depending on vehicle condition, prior work, tooling, and installation technique. Always verify measurements and procedures against official service data. We accept no liability for damage, incorrect installation, or outcomes resulting from the use of this information.