re torquing sprint head

[kevs172]

hi every one ,whats the general consensus on the order this should be done,thanks ,kevin

[JPB]

Starting on the stud side, consider the studs numbered (front to back) 1 to 5,
do number 3, then 4, then 2, then 5 then 1.

Then do the bolted side of the head in the same order.

Resist the temptation to cross from stud to bolt as you go along, that won't allow the studs to pull the head into its correct place in the horizontal plane and it'll probably not last.

[kevs172]

thanks john,i shall go out and do it now

[Mad Mart]

I agree with John. But don't torque them to 55 lb ft as per Mr. Haynes, go to 58lb ft.

[xvivalve]

Incrementally!

[Mad Mart]

Precisely!

[Jon Tilson]

Okay but the guys is asking about retorquing an existing head. So what's the feeling about this?
Should you loosen them all first and start again, in which case should you drain the block first to prevent seepage. That way the angled studs pull into position, then you clamp the bolts.

If you just tighten the head studs first without loosening the bolts you will impose a stress, but against this must be set the thought that loosening the bolts first may break the seal.

Your thoughts please...

Jonners

[trackerjack]

I would never loosen them all at once because that could break the head seal, but do them one at a time by loosening and retorqueing, in any order you like but I still go to pattern as suggested by Mart & Alun etc.

[Mondeo Owner]

How often does this need doing?

I suspect mine had it done not too long ago and it doesn't get regular use at the moment.

[Carl]

The sequence given above is in the Haynes and Factory workshop manual. However, read xvivalve's post in this ...

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=4509&st=0&sk=t&sd=a ... rintspares

[kevs172]

i did mine last night,it definately needed doing,thats the 4th time i ve done it since the motor was built 3000 miles ago,thanks for the help. kevin

[mahony]

How often does this need doing?

I suspect mine had it done not too long ago and it doesn't get regular use at the moment.

I have owned a sprint since 1986 ( same car ) and have never had the head re- torqued at any stage,maybe im lucky

[Mondeo Owner]

How often does this need doing?

I suspect mine had it done not too long ago and it doesn't get regular use at the moment.

I have owned a sprint since 1986 ( same car ) and have never had the head re- torqued at any stage,maybe im lucky

i did mine last night,it definately needed doing,thats the 4th time i ve done it since the motor was built 3000 miles ago,thanks for the help. kevin

So that's somewhere between not at all and regularly?

[trackerjack]

There is a huge difference in what a car is used for and many club cars would expire in a few miles if used how some of us use them on a race circuit!
After a head gasket is done I warm the engine and let it cool to cold then retorque, 100 gentle miles and retorque, give it some beans now and retorque at 300 or so.
Retorque after a track day................if the car has survived

[Jon Tilson]

So is the recieved wisdom then to back each one off in turn and retorque?

Which order do you use then? The factory manual or the Alun N approach?

I think the Alun method would prevent movement of nead relative to block and gasket, but building one form scratch I'd use the factory order for first tightening.

Jonners