Cylinder Head Work

[basilbrush]

Just had the head off my 2003 1150 to remove a broken exhaust manifold stud. Two questions arise which I hope you learned gentlefolk can answer.

1. Given that there was nothing wrong with the head gasket can I re-use it?
2. On new bikes the cylinder head fasteners are usually re-tensioned at the first service. Is this a one-off procedure or should it be done each time the head is removed & replaced?

Your thoughts much appreciated.

 

[Bronco Billy]

No (Edges of Gasket are like crush washers)


Yes (New Bolts)


No doubt that some will disagree ....

 

[Mac]

agreed on both counts

 

[basilbrush]

Thanks for the reply.

I can follow your drift about the re-usability of a gasket but not so sure over the replacement of cylinder head studs & bolt. Where does this recommendation originate? Is it BMW advice or advice generally?

Assuming I don't replace the studs I'd still be interested to know whether or not they should be re-tensioned after, say, 500 miles.

Cheers

 

[cookie]

dunno about replacement, not seen it in any bmw manuals, but then i've never looked. seems unlikely, as it's usually for special stretch bolts only.

you will need to re torque the heads at 5/600 miles or so, as you would at a first service.

 

[northengit]

Just had the head off my 2003 1150 to remove a broken exhaust manifold stud. Two questions arise which I hope you learned gentlefolk can answer.

1. Given that there was nothing wrong with the head gasket can I re-use it?
2. On new bikes the cylinder head fasteners are usually re-tensioned at the first service. Is this a one-off procedure or should it be done each time the head is removed & replaced?

Your thoughts much appreciated.

Yes and no.

My 98, 1100 ran perfick after both heads where removed then replaced on the old gaskets. and torqued once only. ( I only used the old gaskets cause I was in a tight wad mood)

My new 2001 , 1150 heads where re, torqued after a couple of thousand miles at dealer cause it was weeping oil, no props.

And the missu's 2003 left had head was refitted after exaust stud sheared , new gasket fitted, head retorqued all done.


Your making to much work for your self if your thinking about replacing the head bolts.

 

[Paul Young]

I think Bronco Billy meant that the head studs are retorqued at first service as a once-only action, because the bolts are new. Unfortunately, both parts to the question could be answered, "yes"...

Basilbrush: "2. On new bikes the cylinder head fasteners are usually re-tensioned at the first service. Is this a one-off procedure or should it be done each time the head is removed & replaced?"

Bronco Billy: "Yes (New Bolts)"

 

[northengit]

Basilbrush: "2. On new bikes the cylinder head fasteners are usually re-tensioned at the first service. Is this a one-off procedure or should it be done each time the head is removed & replaced?"


Re tension/retorque by all means... if you have an oil weep.... but you don't need to replace.

 

[Bronco Billy]

Tell you what bb ........

Cut a piece of special K serial box, best to use the bit with the cockerels head and use for the gasket.

Instead of re torquing the head bolts down put the heads back on with super glue. ok...