CHASING CiTROëNS

Twistin’ the day away…

First, make sure that all the bolts are nice and clean, and the holes that they are going into are just the same. This guarantees that your torque will be smooth and even. I also add a little anti-seize, or blue Loctite.

Torque in the sequence below:

Screw up teh short cylinder head screws without tightening, then the ones holding the rocker shafts in place after installing them (the fiddly part!).

Torque in two steps. First torque setting is to 21.75 ft.lbs. and then tighten to 43.5 ft.lbs. The manual says in big letters, DO NOT EXCEED.

After traveling 300-odd miles, and again after 1200-odd miles, re-torque by loosening and re-tightening. Draining the radiator is recommended. Might as well get used to it, you’ll have to do it whenever you really get into fixing stuff.