Tightening down the heads

[virgin26]

Hi

I recently had a new engine fitted by Newark Engines. they have done a good job.

They say that I've to bring it back to have the heads tightened down between 500 - 1000 miles, or they will phone me and tell me how to do it (I live too far away so I don't want to take it back)

Since I have no mechanical knowledge, this is not a task I want to undertake.

My local garage in London, N&P Motors said they never bother with tightening down the heads on new engines, just change the oil and filter. I don't know what to believe?! If I do need to do it, can someone please help me.

Cheers

Dave

[dogsnadgers]

imported post

I would want the torque on the cylinder heads checked on anewly built engine. This is not a strong area for the Stag and I would insist they retorque them - you are paying them for it after all?!

Dave

[Andrew S]

imported post

Hi Dave

My personal view is that if N&P have said that, then that is irresponsible. All new Stag engines must be retorqued. First stage immediately after a first start up the next day from cold, then at 500 miles and then 1000 miles. It is almost certain that a gasket will go if not retorqued as they do settle. Get your garage to bed them down at 68lb torque setting.

I would also so ask yourlocal garage to just nip up in the inlet manifold bolts as well to avoid any future leaks

You have done the right thing in asking us all and it could save you a rebuild

Cheers

Andrew

[surreyone]

imported post

Hi Dave,

I totally agreed with Andrew, immediately then at 500 miles/ 1000 miles.

I use a 65lb torque setting and I thought that was high as it is 10lb over the book (55lb) setting.

Andrew why 68lb not 65lb or 70lb? just out of interest.

Kind regards

Colin

[Andrew S]

imported post

Hi Colin

I am not sure but this is what I was advised by Favershams and they seem to know what they are doing. It may have something to do with contruction of the gaskets and how they are made these days compared to the old type with asbestos or copper, dont knwo, but they may have a different compound compression.

Ithink someone else on this forum was advised the same but cant remember who it was.

Andrew

[surreyone]

imported post

Hi Andrew,

Thanks for that, when I was doing my head gasket I spoke to E.J.Ward and they said

torque down to 70lb but I got to 65lb and stopped, I am not that brave!!!

Kind regards

Colin

[Gresley]

imported post

Hi Dave

I recently retorqued my heads at 500 miles after they had been off and one head went down a lot - so I would say they definately need doing!

Brian

[loudnproud]

imported post

Hi Dave as every one has said yes you do need to torque your cylinder heads down firstly after the first time it has reached operating tempreture after it has cooled down, you must back off the bolts and nuts before you tighten down again, and then again at 500 and 1000 miles 65lbs seems to be the figure most owners are happy with. I personally would seek a recomendation as to what Stag specialist to use in your area. If you put location details in your box I am sure some one on the forum will offer advice.

Peter

[sjm]

imported post

virgin26 wrote:

Hi

I recently had a new engine fitted by Newark Engines. they have done a good job.

They say that I've to bring it back to have the heads tightened down between 500 - 1000 miles, or they will phone me and tell me how to do it (I live too far away so I don't want to take it back)

Since I have no mechanical knowledge, this is not a task I want to undertake.

My local garage in London, N&P Motors said they never bother with tightening down the heads on new engines, just change the oil and filter. I don't know what to believe?! If I do need to do it, can someone please help me.

Cheers

Dave

Hi Dave,

You say you do not wish to take the Stag back to have the heads tightened down, and your local garage is N&P, why not go to Tony Hart in Acton just 20 to 30mins from N&P.

Regards

Steve

[virgin26]

imported post

A mighty thanks for all your help folks. N&P did say that they should be Tighten
down after start up. then thats it. they have been spot on with my stag so far
maybe not this time.

Had a bit of trouble with stalling when hot, they said that is because the new engine
is loosening up and will need around 2k to bed in. carbs will need Adjusting to compensate this. I will stuggle to do the 2kmiles this year. the engine is under 12k warranty - or 1year

Thanks

[Giles]

imported post

virgin26 wrote:

the engine is under 12k warranty - or 1year

you might also void this if you do not re torque the heads as per their instructions?

just a thought

[mad cyclist]

imported post

if you have a warranty i woud get any sensible vat reg'd 'older' car friendly garage to do the work. N and P must have thier reasons not too but i would be interested to know what it is.
rgds Nick
ps just seen you are in north london, i used enginuity where tony hart does a bit of work from..very good.