12 replies to this topic

[croc7]

Torqued the head nuts after head gasket replacement (AF407) and again after 20 minute run to operating temperature. Any reason to torque again, say after 500 miles?

Edited by croc7, 10 September 2019 - 03:09 AM.

[InnoCooperExport]

I would yes. I think general recommended interval after having them off is a couple hundred miles. And no harm to it is there

[MiniMadRacer]

I assume you "snap" the nuts off a little then re - torque (I always do), and one at a time in the correct sequence

[MiniMadRacer]

I also loosen the Rad cap before doing it to relieve any residual pressure in the water / coolant system to reduce any likely hood of it "blowing" past the gasket

[Chris1275gt]

I have to do that after an engine rebuild and after 500 miles do you re tighten the head with the engine cold or hot?

[MiniMadRacer]

I always do it cold, and I mean cold, ie a good few hours or so after turning the engine off

[Steve220]

I usually do it the morning after.

[nicklouse]

I torque them up. warm up retorque and then get back on the track. non of this better let it cool down as there is no time.

[Spider]

I too re-torque after the first heat cycle and then again at 1000 km (600 miles).

 

I always work one nut at a time, backing it off, lubing the threads and nut face, then re-torquing.

 

Remember, these are done 'wet' (oiled).

 

,,,,,,,,, do you re tighten the head with the engine cold or hot?

 

Iron Heads are done cold and Alloy Heads hot.

[croc7]

Thanks for the input.

[Rorf]

I have to do that after an engine rebuild and after 500 miles do you re tighten the head with the engine cold or hot?

 

I would say the best answer is from Moke Spider, Chris 1275gt did not answer the question fully

[DeadSquare]

I wouldn't have divulged this years ago, but it won't get anyone into trouble now.

 

When the new car went in for its free 500 mile service, it was very common practice in the trade for the studs on the probably still warm engine, to be torqued on down to 45 ft/lbs.

Edited by DeadSquare, 11 September 2019 - 07:02 AM.

[Chris1275gt]

I have to do that after an engine rebuild and after 500 miles do you re tighten the head with the engine cold or hot?

 
I would say the best answer is from Moke Spider, Chris 1275gt did not answer the question fully

I agree.