Triumph Repair: Re-installing Head on TR 6, head gasket, surface rust

Question
First I want to thank Howard for his assistance in determining my engine issue. (Carb. problem on CD 150)Compression turned out to be bad on 5 cylinders.

Now that I have discovered that I don't have a carb. issue and I have removed and had my head re-built. (5 valves were froze open, I suppose from sitting idle all winter and most of the summer.)

My new question is there anything that I should be aware of when I re-install the head?

Regards,

Norm

Answer
Hi Norm,

Just be sure the top of the block is clean and the head was checked for flatness. Be sure to use the specs for head torque and the sequence of torque. One side of the head gasket should be marked "UP" and Only allow 300 to 500 miles after installing the head to re-torque the head and adjust the valves. (even if the new head gasket states that re-torque is not necessary.) Change the oil and filter then too. The next time you want to store the car for a time, put a can of STP oil treatment in and run it for a few days before storing it.

You should also inspect the cylinder bores for surface rust and for any ridge that may indicate excessive ware. If there is any large rough deposits of carbon on the pistons you should remove them but if the carbon is relatively smooth, leave it there and just smooth it out a little with fine sand paper. A thin coat of carbon helps insulate the pistons and keeps the heat in the combustion chamber where it is needed.

Follow the specs for torque and valve adjustment closely and set the ignition timing to specs.

Howard