Triumph Spitfire MK 3 head nut torque sequence

[jagnut66]

Hi, 

In advance of my needing to change the head gasket on my ex Spitfire 1300 engine I looked up a workshop manual image of the order in which the head nuts need to be tightened. 

Below is what I have settled on.

It appears to be the correct one but, as some 'alternatives' show up in any search as well, I thought I'd confirm on here that I have the right one...........

Also sump capacity is listed as 4.5 litres but please correct me if I'm in error (I have only poured 4 litres in so far because I don't want to overfill it).

Many thanks,

Mike.

[Pete Lewis]

thats a pretty normal sequence 

and check the valve clearances after re torque 

Pete

[jagnut66]

6 minutes ago, Pete Lewis said:

and check the valve clearances after re torque 

For that I found this:

Valves fully open.........................................Valves to adjust
1 and 3........................................................6 and 8
2 and 5........................................................4 and 7
6 and 8........................................................1 and 3
4 and 7........................................................2 and 5

However, the only setting that I can see mentioned is 0.010", which seems to be a general setting for Triumphs. 

Also comments on 'another' site suggest I need a different type of feeler gauge to the flat ones I've always used in the past.

Best wishes,

Mike.

 

 

[dougbgt6]

The rule of 9 

1 & 8, 3 & 6

2 & 7, 4 & 5

6 & 3, 8 & 1

4 & 5, 7 & 2

Doug

 

 

[jagnut66]

6 minutes ago, dougbgt6 said:

The rule of 9 

1 & 8, 3 & 6

2 & 7, 4 & 5

6 & 3, 8 & 1

4 & 5, 7 & 2

Doug

I have heard of that. 👍

But which is officially correct / works best in practice?

The rule of 9 or the adjustment list I copied from that other site, shown above?

Best wishes,

Mike.

[dougbgt6]

What you've written IS the rule of 9 

You have to sit on the wheel with the engine in gear and rock the car back and forth, your list expends the least energy.

There's a rule of 13 too, but you're not ready for that.

Doug

Edited June 12, 2023 by dougbgt6

[jagnut66]

Okay, to clarify, your rule of 9:

The rule of 9 

1 & 8, 3 & 6

2 & 7, 4 & 5

6 & 3, 8 & 1

4 & 5, 7 & 2

Or this version:

Valves fully open.........................................Valves to adjust
1 and 3........................................................6 and 8
2 and 5........................................................4 and 7
6 and 8........................................................1 and 3
4 and 7........................................................2 and 5

Best wishes,

Mike.

 

[dougbgt6]

Mike,

There is no OR, they are the same thing.

Valves fully open.........................................Valves to adjust
1 and 3........................................................6 and 8

This means

With number 1 fully open adjust number 8. With number 3 fully open adjust number 6 

Rule of 9 says

With number 1 down subtract 1 from 9 and adjust that. ie 8  With number 3 down subtract 3 from 9 and adjust that. ie 6

I hope that's a bit clearer? 

Simples!

Doug

Edited June 12, 2023 by dougbgt6

[Pete Lewis]

if you manage to find any pin feelers you can set the gap without getting caught up with rocker pad wear which a flat feeler will bridge 

things like Click adjust can help but dont always suit the operator and yes rule 9 for 4 cyl  and rule 13 for 6 cylinders

other ideas are set by firing order as you only turn the crank once   set a pistons rockers in balance down and set the opposite pair of rocker  being on compression in balance UP

so you set each pair on the back of the cam  simplulze!!

Pete

[68vitesse]

As above.

Yes,as method I use no1 rockers on balance set no.6 and continue in firing order.

Regards

Paul 

[jagnut66]

Thanks for the above, which just leaves the questions about the gap: 0.010"?

And oil: 4.5 litres?

Many thanks,

Mike.

[Pete Lewis]

yes 0.010"  all rockers....COLD

Pete

[jagnut66]

9 hours ago, Pete Lewis said:

yes 0.010"  all rockers....COLD

Thanks Pete.