Fellow list members,
I am currently in the process of doing a winter checkout on my Lotus 6 Ford
Consul engine. I have removed each main bearing cap to inspect the insert
and then replaced and re-torqued. My question pertains to the bolts. This
engine does not use any locking tabs or safety wire to assure that the bolts
do not back out. Now in the few engines that I have rebuilt during my time
with old British cars I have noticed that some use locking tabs that you
bend down to secure the bolt head (like my MGB), some have used safety wire
and some use nothing at all. For some reason I always feel more secure if
there is something solid there to secure the bolt. Is the torque force (7.5
gm meter or about 55 ft lbs) sufficient to assure that they will not vibrate
free? Would anyone recommend drilling small holes in the bolt head to accept
safety wire? Should Locktite be used on the bolt threads?
All replies appreciated.
Happy holidays!
Phil Roettjer
53 Lotus 6
67 MGB
67 Morgan +4
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