Moss Motors, Ltd

When I changed the thermostat on my '66 B, two of the studs that hold the water outlet elbow came out of the head. They came out cleanly: neither the studs nor the bolt holes were stripped (thank goodness!). I've ordered a couple of replacement studs as the ones that came out are a little bent (seems like an impact wrench was used to tighten the nuts the last time that the thermostat was changed). Anyway, I'd like to know what the torque specification is for the studs in this location. Also would like to know if I should use something other than a little LocTite on the threads when I install the new studs.

 Thanks much!

I’m not sure where I got the figure from, but I just changed the thermostat on my MGA and read that the nuts were tightened to only 8#. Don’t know if a “B” would require more pressure or not, seems like it might.

Thanks for the info - when it comes time to cinch down the outlet elbow I will start with that.

 

Also want to apologize because my original post was unclear. What I am looking for is the torque spec for the studs that go into the cylinder head, specifically the ones that are used to mount the outlet elbow. The head is the original cast iron one.

 Thanks again!

mgattone,

There is no torque spec for the implantation of studs like these. Just put two nuts on the upper end of the stud and lock them together with a pair of half inch wrenches. Now spin the stud down into the head until it bottoms and give it a little further twist. Next, without moving the stud, unlock the two nuts and back them off. Repeat for the other two studs.

Lately I've been noticing that the cork/rubber gaskets being supplied are flimsier than they used to be, so be careful tightening down the nuts once things are installed. I like to use Hylomar in this application because it is adhesive and doesn't require as much "clamping force" to retain, plus, it's a good sealant. Alternatively, go to the auto parts store and get some thick gasket paper and make your own. If you do, make sure that the sealing face of the neck is flat across. Use a big mill *** fine tooth file to detect this and to correct it very carefully. Good luck, and enjoy that car, because that's the ONLY reason it was made.

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Motorbill
From Lola to Land Rover, If it's British and has wheels, it's likely I've bloodied me knuckles thereupon

motorbill66,

 

Thank you so much for your advice on the installation procedure and the suggestion for using gasket sealant - I picked some up yesterday. I was somewhat concerned about how the cork gasket would seal; my guess was that the old gasket had leaked since the outlet elbow was screwed down so tightly.

 

Thanks again for your help!

 

-Mike