Forum

[John M]

Once you have changed your head gasket you need to remember to re-torque the head nuts once you have been for a short ride. If you miss this step out you can blow your new gasket.

For instructions and a few pics look at de-coke your Bullet in the technical notes on the tool bar to the left on this site.

As an aside one of my Bullets uses a model G type head gasket and an improvised gasket for the pushrod tubes. Unsurprisingly this set-up lets a little oil past, I have found that ignoring it can be a practical alternative to repair!

Have fun.

[wilf]

That's much clearer Thack, but as you suggest, I will buy a cheap torque wrench.As for reusing the old gasket, I have just received one of Mr. Hs'composite gaskets through the post(ordered 3pm yesterday, arrived 11am today.Remarkable!). Now, do I retorque it after a short ride (10miles?) Or is this unnecessary with a composite gasket?
Thanks for all your input chaps, I'd still be deliberating without your combined knowledge.

[John M]

Re-torque the head nuts irrespective of the gasket type.

[ChrisD]

Thack - it is not immensely complicated if you are in SAouth Africa where accurate torque wrenches, suitable for the 5ft-lb needed for rocker boxes, are either absent or really pricy. I already have one torque wrench that's suitable for the larger diameter bolts - I can't afford another just for those pesky, easily stripped, rocker bolts. Use the standard indian 3/16W spanner with a small hole drilled at the other end; easy-peasy and no cost (if you already have a fishing scale). Be very aware Wilf, that unless you get those rocker bolts done up right, they will strip and the error bar on a cheap torque wrench is about 5ft-lb. ChrisD

[Thack]

Torque wrenches come in a variety of torque ranges. As it happens I've got two, which cover the entire range I need. The accuracy is in percent, rather than a set number of lbs-ft, and most will tell you how accurate they are on the packaging. A really strong torque wrench may not work at all well for only 5lbs-ft, but one designed for the lower range will be fine. I suggest you take a look at what is available.

[PeteF]

I was told on good authority that composite gaskets didn't need re-torquing.

[John M]

PeteF, I can assure you from frustrating experience that composite gaskets do need re torquing, in any case it won't do any harm to double check.

[Tomshayes]

Hi Wilf

No probs at all reusing old Copeer gasket.. Just anneal it... That is (For those that don't know) Heat it up untill it's cherry redd, I usually use the gas hob when she's out) and drop it into a bowl of cold water.. Job done..

Ensure all mating surfaces are clean and flat.. Reassemble!