Cylinder Head Nut & Washer

This may be a bit of a no-brainer but I'm wondering why there is no washer under (actually above) the rear (long) cylinder head nut #51

http://www.oldbritts.com/1972_g2.html

Is this an omission or is there a reason why no washer goes here? All of the other bolts, studs and nuts appear to get washers. I'm about to put the copper head gasket on and I want to make sure its correct this time. Oil leaks through the flame ring required the change.

Thanks

BC

The two sleeve nuts [49] do not have washers either apparently, however it you want to fit washers there doesn't seem to be any reason why you shouldn't do so.

The function of a washer is to provide a consistent resistance to turning when measuring torque. Not having a washer could possibly give you misleading torque readings. Since it's the correct tension that is critical, but impractical to measure, torque becomes a relative indicator of applied tension to the fastener.

The top nuts/bolt are against soft material and need the washers for torque. I think the
sleeve nuts go against the iron cylinder and will give a good reading without washers.

I've asked that same question to so many people who sell and fix Norton's and never got a definitive answer as to why there is no washer.
You do remember that at the time of Norton's demise they were in financial trouble. Cost cutting measure? Probably not.

pvisseriii said:

The top nuts/bolt are against soft material and need the washers for torque. I think the
sleeve nuts go against the iron cylinder and will give a good reading without washers.

Click to expand...

THIS is the correct answer.

JACKPOT! Better play lotto tomorrow.

It's too late, you've already won.

Dave
69S

There is somewhere in this forum's archives a thread about lengthening those studs by 1/8-inch so that there was room for the washer and for enough threads on the nut to be engaged so that maximum torque could be properly achieved. The problem I recall with the longer studs is that it makes it impossible or nearly so to get the head off while the engine is in the frame. Therefore, according to that particular line of reason the washers were omitted because Norton didn't want to make the studs longer. Believe what you want, but washers are a good idea even against hard surfaces. IMO. Me, I made my studs a bit long and put the washers on.

Russ