ZX Torque settings

Jamesg · Unread post by **Jamesg** » 21 Dec 2002, 15:56

I've bought a ZX 1.9 volcane and the head gaskets just blown!! I was quoted £180 + vat so I've decided to do it myself seeing it's christmas... in a freezing cold garage on my day off.... not a good idea. Can anybody give me the head bolt torque settings? I assume the O.S engine mounting has to be removed as well?? any other tips?

JohnD · Unread post by **JohnD** » 21 Dec 2002, 20:35

Is this petrol or diesel, because I'm only familiar with diesel? Torque settings changed during the lifetime of the XUD. Also the type of headbolts changed. If yours are spiralled they should not be reused. Get new ones because they stretch. Also if the head gasket has blown, you're wasting your time to refit without having the head checked for flatness. The tightening sequence is involved so confirm whether we're talking petrol or diesel. And yes, the right hand mount needs to come off, also the timing belt. Since you don't know the cars history, for the sake of a tenner it would be as well to change the belt at the same time.

Jamesg · Unread post by **Jamesg** » 22 Dec 2002, 01:39

It's a petrol. Thanks for the tip about the head bolts, that's something I'd overlooked!!

CITMAN · Unread post by **CITMAN** » 22 Dec 2002, 02:08

Be careful when removing the head, as the engine has wet liners and if the head is taken off carelessly then the linear seals will be broken which means a complete rebuild of the bottom end of the engine to put it right. Buy yourselve a haynes manual as it will have the torque settings in it and the the head gasket swap procedures.

alexx · Unread post by **alexx** » 22 Dec 2002, 02:19

According to Haynes, torque wrench settings for cylinder head bolts are (XU engines 1.6, 1.8 and 1.9):
- stage 1: 60 Nm
- fully slacken all bolts, then tighten to:
- stage 2: 20 Nm
- stage 3: angle tighten through 300°
Anyway, buying a manual would be a good idea.
Alex