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MG MGA - Will I Warp My Head?

I have the vacuum pipe bracket that Tysen referred to in a previous thread, and I also want to attach it to the #11 head stud. Is there any risk of warping the cylinder head by removing and immediately reinstalling/retorquing one stud bolt while leaving the others fully torqued? I plan to do this while the engine is cold. Thanks.

Regards,
M.D.
'57 Coupe
M. D.

Warpage is unlikely, a leak is more likely. You may want to follow the factory service manual and reduce the torque on all the studs before removing the one nut, than retorque per the manual. The reason for torquing in steps is to apply even pressure to the head gasket as well as to equalize stress in the head. Cast iron heads are fairly resistant to warpage, Aluminum heads are a different story.
John H

Agree with you John - don't forget to gradually (i.e. a flat at a time) loosen the head nuts in the reverse order to tightening. Prevents head cracking/warping.

Pete
Pete Tipping

Why relocate it? It belongs on the rightmost exhaust manifold stud which would seem far less risky than a head bolt mounting.
FWIW,
Doug
D Sjostrom

Doug:

I was probably not clear in my description - I'm talking about the clip that holds the pipe in place, not the bracket for the "flame trap". The pipe clip is held in place by the rear head bolt. The flame trap bracket is held by the manifold stud.

Regards,
M.D.
'57 Coupe
M. D.

M.D. you are right - Doug you are wrong...
Pete
Pete Tipping

Hi MD. I faced the same problem, but decided to remove just the one head nut, and install the bracket. I removed the nut, put the bracket in place, and re torqued the nut. Absolutely no problem with coolant leakage, or any other difficulties. I believe the head is firmly enough attached that removing one head nut wont cause a problem. Having said that, there will probably be several people who have had a less positive experience. Cheers! GLenn
Glenn

I've removed one head nut with no problems. However, there may be another solution. On my car, the bracket is above the clamping nut and is secured with a jam-finish "Double nut." This was you can remove/install without upsetting the head torque.

I'd look but my car is still stuck in the corner. I hope to get it out tonight or Friday.

Hope this helps.
Bill
Bill Eastman

A suggestion--Have a helper hold the pipe clip straight out with a pair of pliers while you do the final torque on nut #11. Without the extra set of hands holding the clip, the clip will rotate and a.)not look too sporty and b.)kink the pipe.

I've also changed this part out on my MGB without disturbing the remaining head bolts with no ill effects.


Paul
Paul Hanley

This thread was discussed between 11/04/2006 and 13/04/2006

MG MGA index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGA BBS is active now.