REPLACING HEAD BOLTS WITH NEW

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wardy
Posts: 1244
Joined: Tue Jul 13, 2010 5:36 pm
Location: north lincolnshire

REPLACING HEAD BOLTS WITH NEW

Post by wardy »

Hi guys.. a bit of advice if you will.
I'm on a mission to improve my kettle's appearance ( have just ordered a new paint set off Baz, so that's a good start)
the question is this...
I am looking to buy some shiney stainless head bolts soon, from Mr Read, together with the washers , including the dowty ones.
Now,, I'm basically a lazy guy and am always looking for easy ways to do things.
Bearing in mind, my bike is running very welll at present, with no issues mechanically( apart from a noisy cam chain and tappets)
Would it be possible to replace said head bolts one by one without taking the head off to do it?
I would save on a head gasket and some new coolant doing it this way!
I welcome your opinions!
Andy
Andy;
1976 gt750A; 86 FZ750
1977gt380A
1982 z400j
1981 z650f.....1988 Sufolk punch 14"
"look;it's my bike; when you own it ,you can paint it any colour you like!"
(I once painted my Z650 PINK and had the pink panther logo on the tailpiece)
wardy
Posts: 1244
Joined: Tue Jul 13, 2010 5:36 pm
Location: north lincolnshire

Re: REPLACING HEAD BOLTS WITH NEW

Post by wardy »

Also.. nearly forgot.
Is it possible to do this with the engine in the frame (getting the torque wrench in as well)
or is it an engine out job.
Andy;
1976 gt750A; 86 FZ750
1977gt380A
1982 z400j
1981 z650f.....1988 Sufolk punch 14"
"look;it's my bike; when you own it ,you can paint it any colour you like!"
(I once painted my Z650 PINK and had the pink panther logo on the tailpiece)
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mizzytheman
Posts: 2227
Joined: Tue Dec 28, 2010 1:17 pm
Location: Knowsley, Liverpool

Re: REPLACING HEAD BOLTS WITH NEW

Post by mizzytheman »

wardy wrote:Hi guys.. a bit of advice if you will.
I'm on a mission to improve my kettle's appearance ( have just ordered a new paint set off Baz, so that's a good start)
the question is this...
I am looking to buy some shiney stainless head bolts soon, from Mr Read, together with the washers , including the dowty ones.
Now,, I'm basically a lazy guy and am always looking for easy ways to do things.
Bearing in mind, my bike is running very welll at present, with no issues mechanically( apart from a noisy cam chain and tappets)
Would it be possible to replace said head bolts one by one without taking the head off to do it?
I would save on a head gasket and some new coolant doing it this way!
I welcome your opinions!
Andy
Whilst your replacing the head bolts don’t forget to take out the cam chain and tappets. It will run like a dream.
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Alan H
Posts: 12104
Joined: Fri Aug 05, 2011 6:38 am
Location: Wombwell, Republic of South Yorkshire

Re: REPLACING HEAD BOLTS WITH NEW

Post by Alan H »

A wet one at that. :roll:

Can you post pictures of the cam chain & tappets while I get the popcorn ready........
Proof that four strokes are over complicated
swarrans
Posts: 284
Joined: Thu Oct 09, 2014 9:03 pm
Location: Maidstone Kent

Re: REPLACING HEAD BOLTS WITH NEW

Post by swarrans »

I assume that was a typo?!

Anyway, to answer your actual question, I replaced the head bolts one by one with engine in frame with no ill effects. I guess others might not recommend it but it worked for me. Engine in frame, plenty of room. I did it in the bolt tightening sequence shown in my Haynes manual

Simon
wardy
Posts: 1244
Joined: Tue Jul 13, 2010 5:36 pm
Location: north lincolnshire

Re: REPLACING HEAD BOLTS WITH NEW

Post by wardy »

thanks Swarrens; I'll give it a go.
took cam chain out yesterday.. runs a lot better !
Andy;
1976 gt750A; 86 FZ750
1977gt380A
1982 z400j
1981 z650f.....1988 Sufolk punch 14"
"look;it's my bike; when you own it ,you can paint it any colour you like!"
(I once painted my Z650 PINK and had the pink panther logo on the tailpiece)
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