The head job looms and I am making my plans (hopefully) for a smooth gasket change & head test. I notice that the 18 headbolts, on the 2CT engine, have male "splined" heads. Could anyone advise if these are standard or, have they been superceded by hexagon head bolts. I am intending to replace the bolts anyway and any illustrations I have seen seem to indicate hex bolts.
Thanks for any comment - (#837) John Davis, 20 Aug 01

John they are standard, and they are bi-hex, rather than spline. A standard 12-point 14mm socket does the job!! - (#838) David Miller, 20 Aug 01

Many thanks again David. I am trying to cover every eventuality and had thought that this might be a problem. I should have known I suppose. - (#844) John Davis, 20 Aug 01

John,Just a thought about you doing the head.
I have just done my head casket at the end of July.
All went well.I had the head skimmed and test for crack and leaks.
The company that did it supplied the bolts head set and cam belt all for £257:00
I refitted it and the power is back to normal and is running well.
There is just one thing that I would like to point out when cleaning up the block.
Do not clean off the pistions,but make sure that the rest of the block is clean, and pay attention to the water hole between each cylinder,mine were blocked and it took a drill bit to clean them out. This was the reason why I boiled up and head blowed in the first place.
Make sure these holes are cleanned throught to the water jacket.
Hope all goes well! - (#848) Barry Thorogood, 20 Aug 01

Many thanks Barry. As usual, with this splendid forum, the experiences and advice, freely and enthusiastically given, are very much appreciated.
I have made a note of the points which you mention and these will, I am sure, ensure a successful job. - (#849) John Davis, 20 Aug 01