Valve clearances

[19753C(E)]

It occurs to me that the last time I had the head off the triple I doubtless torqued it down according to the specifications in the Green Book, which I now know to be incorrect.  If I take the cams off to do the valve shims now and then torque everything back down according to the proper values, which are lower, the head gasket will probably leak since it was originally torqued at a higher value, yes?  Which means I'll need to take the motor out and replace the head gasket (gulp).  This seemingly simple project could get ugly quickly.

 

[Rob]

the head gasket will probably leak since it was originally torqued at a higher value, yes?

Probably won't...but remember to reset all head studs to lower value, not just the six holding the cam blocks. And do that before checking clearances, of course.

 

[19753C(E)]

oh...so loosen the head studs, then torque to the correct specification THEN check the valve clearances?  Makes perfect sense...but of course I never would have thought of that.  Thanks for the advice!!