Head bolts

[Jim S.]

Hello, I need to retorque the head bolts on a (2003) 2.3T. Oil leak between head and block. I figure I might as well get new bolts first. I think it would be reasonable to check if all the old bolts are torqued to at least 44 ft. lbs. before I remove number one? Also after I remove bolt number one, do I bring it to 44 ft. lbs. plus 90 degrees before removing number two and so on? Thanks

[Mike Brennan]

There is no sequence to removal only install and your procedure is not prescribed. You can test the existing torque that way without removal to see if any are loose. If so remove all and reset. Your old bolts should also be fine to reuse, but most do put in new ones.
03's did not have HB issues. Likely that is not the issue

[Finding41]

I bet if you clean the area that you think the leak is coming from it probably isn't the head bolt that s leaking. (With exception to the two 13 mm bolts at the timing chain end of the head.)
I have had what I thought were head gasket leaks. Both turned out to be the silly timing chain adjuster...
I would get new washers for it first.
It's can be a pain to get to... But if you loosen the idler pulley that bolts to the belt tensioner just enough to get a big socket through the access hole you can get it out some what easily.
Good luck.

[Jim S.]

O.K. thanks for the heads up on the tensioner seals. I should probably look into that first. I will degrease it again and hit it some foot powder spray to get a better look.

[Mike Brennan]

Dont use a degreasing product. Just spray with charcoal light fluid. Grease and oi will flow out with out that residue.