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MG TD TF 1500 - head washer

I am sure this is a silly question but is it OK to use a standard washer from the hardware store to place over the stud and under the nut for the head. I see 5 of them have one side slightly flattened. As I said I am sure it is a silly question but I don't want to make a big mistake.

Rob
Rob Welborne

Rob - a few thoughts. First of all, why do you need a washer there - there was none originaly fitted. Is it because there was one there when you took the head off? That, in itself, isn't a good enough reason to use one. It would help to know why you are pulling the head.

The only reason to use head stud washers is when the head has been heavily milled by re-surfacing or to increase compression ratio, and the head studs will run out of threads without a washer. But it is uncommon for that to happen, since that thin a head will give an unreasonably high compression ratio. I would measure the head thickness, and determine your compression ratio.

The factory did include washers in it's parts list for the Mark II, since that car was often raced with a higher compression ratio. But they must be hardened washers, which are sometimes available in hardware stores. A standard mild-steel washer is NOT OK, as you have seen - it will deform and you will never get a satisfaotory torque value with it in place. I would also be very sure that you have enough valve/piston clearane if your head has been skimmed so much.

I sell very high quality head studs made by ARP, with an extra quarter inch of threads to accommodate heads that have been skimmed more than usual.

Be certain that you need washers; if so, use the correct waashers; or get my head studs. See them at: mgtrepair.net

Tom Lange
Bar Harbor, maine

t lange

Tom, the head is off because it was a complete rebuild of the engine. And yes, there were washers under the nuts when I took it apart so just assumed they should be there. I better stop that. And the washers actually were very gnarled.

Thanks,
Rob
Rob Welborne

This thread was discussed on 13/11/2011

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