Cylinder head bolts query

simon_gone_surfing · Post by **simon_gone_surfing** » Fri May 15, 2009 12:51 pm

Folks

About 18 months ago I had to have a new head fitted due to a crack in the old one (my wallet still flinches at the thought!). Recently been going through a fair amount of oil, but nothing in the recent MOT emissions test. Had a poke about and think it might be leaking from the head at one end a little bit.

I suspect the bolts might have losened and want to check they are tight enough, but don't know the torque settings - anyone know what I should set my wrench to?

Before you all freak out...there's no smoke etc, so I know there is no issue with the gasket being knackered. Just looks a little fresh around the bolts.

robdrinky · Post by **robdrinky** » Fri May 15, 2009 1:26 pm

Are you sure its not the rocker cover leaking?
i believe the head bolts stretch on fitment so cannot be retorqued,however have not done the job myself so stand to be corrected.

simon_gone_surfing · Post by **simon_gone_surfing** » Fri May 15, 2009 1:33 pm

Could be the rocker cover actually...torque settings for these bolts?

mister munkey · Post by **mister munkey** » Fri May 15, 2009 1:54 pm

Theres a bit from Dandy in this thread that answers your question there matey.

http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... ue#p287622

Post by **Simon Jones** » Sun May 17, 2009 3:28 pm

Bongo engines do seem to leak a bit of oil near the inlet manifold, although this can often be caused by the gunge in the EGR system rather than engine oil. If you're noticing the oil level on the dipstick go down, then it would have to be a fairly large leak. Have you check under the engine for signs of a leak? I found I was loosing a few drops around the sump plug (even with a new washer). In the end, a smear of Hylomar gasket compound on the threads did the trick.

The best thing to do is to try to clean the area off so you can seen where it is coming from. I would not have thought tightening the head bolts would work or be advisable. They are set to a torque & then turned an extra 180 degrees. Once stretched, they should probably be left alone.

It could be the rocker cover gasket or the bolts themselves that have a runner grommet fitted under the washer. A gentle tweak with 10mm socket may help, but again, it's worth identifying the exact location of the leak so you can be sure if you have fixed it. I don't have the manual to hand at the mo, but from memory its a very low torque: maybe 8 lb/ft? I expect 'hand tight' is fine bearing in mind alloy cover, with bolts on rubber seals into an alloy head.

mikeonb4c · Post by **mikeonb4c** » Sun May 17, 2009 4:22 pm

...and be v. careful not to overtighten the rocker cover bolts as I'm told you can crack the ali. rocker cover.

simon_gone_surfing · Post by **simon_gone_surfing** » Sun May 24, 2009 9:52 pm

Thanks for the advice folks... I'll see if I can get underneath and have a look for leaks (difficult, as it's dropped on its shocks). it does seem to be loosing a lot (light came on again today, so top up necessary) so the rocker cover seems unlikely. I think what I'll do is try and give the engine a good clean up and then check it over the next time it needs to be topped up.

What a puzzle...

Cylinder head bolts query

Cylinder head bolts query

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