Big 4 head torque

Previously david_rademacher wrote:

I have just replaced the leaky head gasket on my 1954 Big 4. Looking in my manual all I can find is (even and snug) no torque settings or tightening order. Am I looking for a problem that is not there, or is there information that I did not find ?Thank you for any help

Minnesota Dave

Hi Dave

I have attached the relevant info from the 16H Maintenance manual,

which hopefully explains the very technical requirements!

Regards

Derel Ambler

Previously david_rademacher wrote:

Mr. Ambler

Thank you for your information, it is much help. I did not see any torque setting information. Is there a setting number or just snug?

What manual do you have?? I have a copy of the Norton maintance/instruction manual for models 16H ,BIG4 ,18 & ES2 and that page you sent is not in there.

My Big 4 seems to be at the end of the line and some what unusual. It is a Big 4 but with a swinging arm suspension. The frame number has a 8 on top of the numbers 56385 and the motor is 56385 space 82/113 and under the first numbers is the number 8. It also has a "A" painted on the rear mud guard. I have been told this bike was sold to a dealer in Austria. I have not sent this info in to find the history yet. I have also heard the swinging arm was something that could be ordered but not listed as a option.

Can anyone verify this combination?? It is real hard to find information other than this forum due to the fact I live in Minnesota US

Again thanks to all for putting up with my questions. It is a learning session for me and I hate to ask questions that many of have known answers for years and consider common knowledge.

Minnesota Dave

Hi Dave,

you obviously have one of the end of the line model with the aluminum heah, as to torque required I have no idea, I am sue some member has the info to hand.

The info I posted was from the WD16H Norton Maintenance Manual which you can view on www.WDNorton.nl web site.

Best regards

Derek Ambler

"When the engine was first designed, the torque wrench hadn't been invented"

...When the engine was first designed, it didn't even have a detachable cylinder head !

I'd say that tightening in a cross-pattern with just a hand-spanner leverage is important, with a retighten after it's been hot and cooled....maybe more if using a composition gasket.