Poly A-block Torque Specifications

I have compiled these poly 277, 301, 303, 313, 318, and 326 torque specifications from multiple factory manuals and fastener data and added process notes from my experience and industry standards. See the service manual page for digital service manuals I provide for free download. Thread locker and sealants can be found at local and online retailers such as Napa Auto, Home Depot, Summit Racing, and others.

ComponentLb.Ft.Lb.In.Notes
Accessories Brackets Bolt/Nut, 3/8″30
Accessories Brackets Bolt/Nut, 5/16″25
Alternator/Generator Adjusting Bolt200 Apply antiseize to this bolt to stop corrosion with the aluminum alternator housing.
Bellhousing to Block Bolt50WARNING: For automatics, ensure torque converter snout notches are fully aligned and engaged with the transmission pump tangs before tightening bellhousing bolts. Failure to do so can result in broken bellhousing ears and/or flexplate.
Camshaft Sprocket Bolt35Use red thread locker.
Camshaft Thrust Plate Bolt180Use red thread locker.
Carburetor Base to Intake NutTighten until gasket seats, 60 – 80.WARNING: Tighten evenly in an “X” pattern in three steps until the gasket seats. Overtightening can warp the baseplate/air horn and cause vacuum/fuel leaks.
Connecting Rod Nut45Tighten back and forth in three steps of 20, 30, 45
Coolant Plug or Nipple 1/2″ NPT30Seal with PTFE tape or Rectorseal 23631 T Plus 2.
Coolant Plug or Nipple 1/4″ NPT16Seal with PTFE tape or Rectorseal 23631 T Plus 2.
Coolant Plug or Nipple 3/4″ NPT54Seal with PTFE tape or Rectorseal 23631 T Plus 2.
Coolant Sensor or Plug 1/8″ NPT7Seal with PTFE tape or Rectorseal 23631 T Plus 2.
Crankshaft Harmonic Damper Bolt135Use blue thread locker.
Crankshaft Main Cap Bolt85Follow Figure 1 sequence. Tighten in three steps of 30, 60, 85.
Cylinder Head Bolt85Follow Figure 2 sequence. Seal bolt threads with Rectorseal 23631 T Plus 2 or equivalent since they go into coolant. Tighten in three steps of 30 ft., 60 ft., 85 ft.
Distributor Hold-down Bolt, Aluminum Intake120Apply antiseize to this bolt to stop corrosion with the aluminum intake manifold.
Distributor Hold-down Bolt, Iron Intake180
Exhaust Flange Nut/Bolt, 7/16″-2040 Apply antiseize to this bolt to stop corrosion.
Exhaust Manifolds Stud into Head25Seal lower row with Rectorseal 23631 T Plus 2 or equivalent since they go into coolant. The upper row are blind holes and don’t require sealing. See the manifold installation tech article.
Exhaust Manifolds to Head Nut/Bolt25Follow Figure 3 sequence. Tighten in three steps. Recheck after multiple heat cycles. See my technical article on installation.
Flexplate to Converter Bolt, 5/16″25Use blue thread locker.
Flexplate to Converter Bolt, 7/16″65Use blue thread locker.
Flexplate/Flywheel to Crankshaft Bolt55Use blue thread locker.
Fuel Pump Bolt30
Intake Manifold Bolt30Follow Figure 4 sequence. Tighten in three steps. Recheck after multiple heat cycles. Bolts that go through to the valley may be sealed with Rectorseal 23631 T Plus 2 or equivalent to stop oil seepage. See my technical article on instillation.See the manifold installation tech article.
Motor Mounts to Block, 7/16″ Bolt55Grade 8. See Figure 5 for proper motor mount positioning.
Motor Mounts to Chassis, 1/2″ Stud (1956 – 1972 Style)75
Motor Mounts to Chassis, 5/8″ Bolt (1973 on Style)75Grade 8
Oil Drain Plug20
Oil Filter Bolt30Red threadlocker
Oil Gallery Plug 1/2″ NPT30Seal with Permatex 80003
Oil Gallery Plug 3/4″ NPT54Seal with Permatex 80003
Oil Pan BoltTighten until gasket seats. 180 maxWork evenly from center out similar to Figure 4. Tighten in three steps.
Oil Pump Cover Bolt120
Oil Pump Mounting Bolt35
Pulleys 5/16″ Bolt (pump and crank)200
Rocker Arm Adjuster Jam Nut25
Spark Plug30
Starter Motor Bolt or Stud into Aluminum216Apply antiseize to the stud to stop corrosion with the aluminum.
Starter Motor Through Bolt and Stud Nut25
Thermostat Housing Bolt, Aluminum144Apply antiseize to the stud to stop corrosion.
Thermostat Housing Bolt, Iron180Apply antiseize to the stud to stop corrosion.
Timing Cover Bolt, Aluminum30Some bolts require Rectorseal 23631 T Plus 2 or equivalent since they go into coolant. See my technical article on installation including which bolts to seal. See timing cover and water pump installation tech article.
Timing Cover Bolt, Iron35Some bolts require Rectorseal 23631 T Plus 2 or equivalent since they go into coolant. See my technical article on installation including which bolts to seal. See timing cover and water pump installation tech article.
Torque Converter Plug 1/8″ NPT7Seal with PTFE tape or Rectorseal 23631 T Plus 2.
Transmission Inspection/Dust Cover Bolt100
Valve Cover BoltTighten until gasket seats. 20 maxWARNING: Overtightening can warp the cover and cause leaks.
Water Pump Bolt30Some bolts require Rectorseal 23631 T Plus 2 or equivalent since they go into coolant. See my technical article on installation including which bolts to seal. See timing cover and water pump installation tech article.

Figures

Dodge Plymouth Chrysler Mopar Poly 318 A-block crankshaft main tightening sequence
Figure 1: Poly A-block Main Cap Torque Sequence
Dodge Plymouth Chrysler Mopar Poly 318 A-block cylinder head tightening sequence
Figure 2: Poly A-block Cylinder Head Torque Sequence
Dodge Plymouth Chrysler Mopar Poly 318 A-block exhaust manifold header tightening sequence
Figure 3: Poly A-block Exhaust Manifold Torque Sequence
Dodge Plymouth Chrysler Mopar Poly 318 A-block intake manifold tightening sequence
Figure 4: Poly A-block Intake Torque Sequence
Dodge Plymouth Chrysler Mopar Poly 318 A-block motor mount position
Figure 5: Correct Poly A-block and LA Motor Mount Bracket Position