Re Torque Head

[PeterH]

Having just replaced the head gasket on my Spit (Mk3 1969) what are the views on re-torquing? What mileage?

[Andrew]

Hi retorqu after 500 miles 

[johny]

yes not critical. Reckon IF the factory ever did this it would have been after test running the engine up to temperature and cooling...

[Pete Lewis]

a couple of pointers  

re torques dont show in the workshop manuals  it may have been part of the initial run in period service 

back of nuts 1/2 turn  and re torque one at a time 

always    reset /check the tappets afterwards 

the loss of torque is generally due to the washer deforming 

Pete

[johny]

Id be very surprised if, especially with narrow head engines, they took off the exhaust/inlet manifolds, cover and rocker gear to retorque heads on the free service, Pete

[Iain T]

Can you using Triumph tool xyz123 get to the nuts without removing the rocker gear? If one exists I don't have it so I've always taken the rocker gear off.

[johny]

Cant see that one in the list of special tools in the WSM Iain😁

[Paul Amey]

To be safe I would retorque after running the engine to temperature first time and again at 500 miles by loosening off one bolt at a time half a turn, torquing down and resetting the tappets.

[PeteH]

6 hours ago, Iain T said:

Can you using Triumph tool xyz123 get to the nuts without removing the rocker gear? If one exists I don't have it so I've always taken the rocker gear off.

Looking at the location of the nuts, It would require something akin to a special "Crowfoot" extension and would need specially calibrating?.

Pete

[PeterH]

Thanks guys, 500 miles it is.