First Service - HEAD RETORQUE

TonyA · Oct 24, 2015

Hello All , Just got back from MCC in Chicago after my head re-torque service . My rocker cover gasket came in so I went down and had them take care of this. As others have reported my head bolts needed to be tightened to factory specs. So , If you have not done this yet , you should put this on your short list. If you blow a head / base gasket you wont have a leg to stand on . I had MCC do it so it will be officially recorded by the dealer. The price was for labor was good . It was done in 2.5 hours , so don't let that stop you. Also , this only needs to be done once at first service. Maybe Simon can clarify ? Tony

richard-7 · Oct 25, 2015

I do know this is important at first service. Which makes sense. As many of us have found the bolts needed to be tightened. Bet you feel good knowing its been done!!

Good Job. How many miles do you have now?

TonyA · Oct 25, 2015

a mere 1765

BPHORSEGUY · Oct 25, 2015

Do you have any idea how much under your torque was or was it just a clicker type wrench?

TonyA · Oct 26, 2015

No , I can't say how much under torque . They did say the bolts/nuts turned quite a bit until the specs were reached. In short they said it was good that I brought it in. There are several owners who live a long way from the dealer . They will have to do this themselves then . I see no other way. Also, as a side note I am the only Norton brought in for this at their shop thus far !

richard-7 · Oct 26, 2015

I did my bike at 800 miles, when I captured the MANUAL, and the left side was slightly under , hardly able to turn the torque wrench at all, but the right side was really out. Not sure by how much either but at least half a turn each bolt or more. Also, found my header nuts on the same side were very loose so check them too. I now have just over 5,000 miles trouble free. Thankfully My dad made me a trans vent the day I got the bike and I torqued the heads before blowing a gasket or I could have had a world of trouble.

If you have ever had a 2-stroke, torquing the heads is a normal chore..

contours · Jul 17, 2016

richard-7 said:
I did my bike at 800 miles, when I captured the MANUAL, and the left side was slightly under , hardly able to turn the torque wrench at all, but the right side was really out.

I couldn't find any reference in the skimpy Norton manual about this. Using your manual I'm confident I can do it, but at what interval? 500 miles?

Richard-7 said:
If you have ever had a 2-stroke, torquing the heads is a normal chore..

Yes, I remember that much. :lol:

TonyA · Jul 17, 2016

By the time I found out that this needed to be done I had over 1700 miles on the bike. And I may say there are people out there who have more miles than I did and have not done it yet. I think get it done by end of break in 800 miles sounds good to me. Change oil /filter and get the re-torqueing done.

richard-7 · Jul 18, 2016

contours said:
richard-7 said:

I did my bike at 800 miles, when I captured the MANUAL, and the left side was slightly under , hardly able to turn the torque wrench at all, but the right side was really out.

Click to expand...

I couldn't find any reference in the skimpy Norton manual about this. Using your manual I'm confident I can do it, but at what interval? 500 miles?

Richard-7 said:

If you have ever had a 2-stroke, torquing the heads is a normal chore..

Click to expand...

Yes, I remember that much. :lol:

Just once after the 1,000 mile mark. As most of you know this is required because bolts stretch and gaskets compress. Do it once and then only if you take the barrels off will this need to be done approx 1,000miles again.

contours · Jul 18, 2016

Thanks for the clarification, Richard. I thought I remembered you saying 1000 miles somewhere here before.

richard-7 · Jul 18, 2016

contours said:
Thanks for the clarification, Richard. I thought I remembered you saying 1000 miles somewhere here before.

You are very welcome.

First Service - HEAD RETORQUE

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