Britbike forum Forums British motorcycles in general The triple forum Rocker cap screws tightening order

Hi Folks, from the workshop Manual and the dodgy Haynes Manual, it seems as through one should tighten the 3 cap screws inside each rocker box before tightening down the head bolts in their sequence when rebuilding the top end.

Is this correct, or is there another recommended way?

The five 1/4" screws can be tightened before the head bolts but you should retighten them afterward due to compression of the head gaskets. The 1/4" screws have less through hole clearance than the head bolts so tightening the head bolts first before installing the 1/4" screws might bind the 1/4" bolts unless you have doweled the rockerboxes.

I nip up the screws first then tighten the head bolts to the torque figures (in sequence) then finally tighten the screws.
My way of thinking is that the screws hold down the flimsy side so get that side into position then tighten the bolts then finally screw down the flimsy side.
Just my way of looking at it.
HTH

Thanks for the input folks. Very valuable.

Seems there is a shortage of triple pushrods on our side of the pond at the moment. Only Hyde had any in stock. Once they come I can put it all together.

Currently playing with my spokes, rear wheel was 2 mm oval.