Forum

[terrystoy]

Hi. Heard a rattle start on a ride. Listening via long screw driver, traced noise to front rocker cover. checked push rod clearence in the normal way everything ok. I have just taken off the rocker covers and found the cause of the rattle. One of the headbolts is compleatly loose. QUESTION is it ok to simply retighten all the bolts ?

Terry

[Paul M H]

Yes I would just re torque them all back up too recommended value if there's no other problems.

[terrystoy]

Done that paul. Starts and runs OK. Thanks. Terry

[terrystoy]

Hello again. All was well (it seemed) for a while but then engine would not tick over. I did all the usual checks to ign and carb but no help. Convinced that ther was a loss of compression I have removed the head and found that the same loose bolt was loose again and that the gasket has blown into the stud hole. Question should I just clean the surfaces and fit a new gasket, or should I remove the barrel for further checks. The bike has only done 3000 km.
Thanks Terry

[PeteF]

I'd have the barrel off as you've already got the head off - not much more work. It could be that the stud is pulling out of the crankcase (not the best alloy in the world I'm afraid) Should be room to get an insert in - if not, helicoil.

[Alan R]

Hello TERRYSTOY ------ now, first I want you to promise not to bite my head off when you read my input --- OK ???..and second I take it that your bike is a Bullet single of some sort ??? So here we go then}-----Where are these "Bolts" in your cylinder head ?? There aren't any. There ARE studs however ie 5 full-length ones that go from on top of the cylinder head down to the crankcase PLUS a short one(5/16" cycle thread) that is fitted into the top of the barrel and projects through the top of the head as well.... It is these 6 in total, (when their nuts are fitted) that apply the clamping pressure onto the head gasket......Similarly there are 8 STUDS that the rocker blocks and caps fit onto.......If a stud has come loose it's no good just re-tightening the nut that's fitted on it..... that's the "lazy-mans'" way.... It just compresses things but doesn't actually lock them in place. I've even seen so-called Senior Fitters using this Quickie assembly method at work as well-----( stud done up finger tight, run the nut on, torque up), because they were on piece-rates with 100's to do and time was of the essence. The STUD itself must be tightened into the crankcase, preferably with some high-strength thread Loctite and at its' designated torque figure......and to do all this properly it's going to be a Barrel-off job....... BUT, with the head off I would remove the Barrel anyway and take the opportunity to check the piston, rings etc. Yes, clean the surfaces and fit a new gasket...............Phew !!! There you go then. If I've got the wrong end of the stick then accept my apologies and bin it.

[Alan R]

PS-------- sorry, hadn't seen PETE F's input when I posted the above-------

[terrystoy]

Thanks Pete/Alan.Sorry for not giving enough info. 2008 350 bullet, front left bolt loose. I was going to be a lazy boy but I will take your advice as soon as my good lady and my employer allow me the time. I will let you know what I find. Also advice about refitting the piston back into the barrel would be apreciated. Terry

[terrystoy]

Sorry Alan loose NUT.

[PeteF]

To get the piston back in the barrel you really need a ring compressor, BUT it can be done without if you have an assistant. The bottom of the barrel is chamfered and by squeezing the rings with you fingers while someone else holds the barrel and sort of wriggling, the piston rings should go back in one at a time. Another option (and I don't actually know if there's room to do this on the Enfield) is to take the piston off the conrod, work it into the barrel on the bench, then chock up the barrel above the crankcase and re-attach the small end. Don't forget to place the cylinder base gasket in position first! (go on, ask me why I said that!!)