Retorquing Cyl Head Bolts (y/n?)

[Joerg]

Gents,

I have bought the 1.3 HF. As already written, I am new to the Fulvia world.

Since the engine had been rebuilt some 500 km before I had bought it, and I have added another 1,300 km myself, according to regular standards, the cylinder bolts should be re-torqued.

In the Q&A, I have found statements due to which this is not required for the Fulvia engines. Can I really rely on that?

Thanks

Jörg

[Huib]

Well. I always retorque them. In fact several times. First time after heating up the engine before it is entirely cold. Then after 500 km and continue to do so after doubling the interval till the bolts don't move any more.

[P. de R. Leclercq]

I remarked about this topic elsewhere. I always re-torqued customers' head bolts - after warming up the engine as Huib describes. I have never re-torqued my own and have not had gasket problems in almost 25 years of Fulvias. Harry Manning always said it wasn't necessary an he was the Guru when I was learning about Fulvias.

As for the bolts themselves, I have come across two instances in recent times of bolts (both the dowel bolts incidentally) snapping spontaneously - i.e. they have not been over-tightend and twisted - they have just snapped after a spell of use. Perhaps it's just old age?

110mm 12.9 grade socket cap screws are readily available and I always insisted on using these after the discovery. I kept a pair of dowel bolts to align the head correctly when installing it, but would replace them afterwards.

Paul