Talking to a mate recently, we realised we had a different view on something we both thought we'd always known: head nut washers! Using good studs, original flanged nuts, washers or no? If so, flat or spring? (never heard of that, just thought I'd throw it in the mix)

I've never seen washers on head nuts: that's why they're flanged.

The early nuts didn't have a flange. For what they cost, I'd suggest replacing the nuts with flanged ones.

If you do use the early style nuts, I like to fit them with quality HT Flat Washers, the ones I use I get from ARP. This stops the nut wearing it's way in to the casting if its un-done and done up a few times.

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I like using the flanged ones, however be aware that they don't work on the 4 long rear studs when using Minisport (and probably Minispares etc) roller rockers.
Lockie might like to post a pic of how his UK `engine builder' got around this...

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Noooo, never spring!

I use non-flanged but as GT says they get good quality high tensile washers under 'em.

cheers

Jacob

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'72 Clubman Van - 1022cc, 295 head, 731 cam - Daily Driver
'69 Morris 1100 S - Dinged by a bus, in shed under repair
'64 Morris 1100 - Early 1100, long term project

Minispares UK make a very good set of high tensile studs, washers and nuts.
The washers are flat and about 2mm thick

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1969 Cooper "S"
1967 Mini Deluxe
1973 Clubman Van (the fleet spare)
1978 ex 1275 LS ("Wizard" Eaton Supercharged)
2015 HSV GenF GTS(occasional drive & tow car)
2019 MINI F55 Cooper S

I have always been a firm believer of using what is called a "Belvel" washer. They are slightly shaped like a Chinese hat very High Tensile and only around 1mm thick. Never had a problem using these. They are also re usable.

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DID I MENTION THAT I AM THE BEST SUPPLIER FOR MINI ELECTRICAL PARTS AND REPAIRS?
"Let us remove your "SHORTS"

They would probably some sort of spring steel? If so, then I would say they'd be OK.

Something else here, slightly off topic but highly related. There were several different studs, nuts and at times, bolts used. They all had different 'tensions' or 'torque settings' so be aware or what you have and what you should be torquing them down to;-

Early Mini Stud and Nut 40 ft/lbs (Plain in appearance)
Bolts - throw in the bin and use studs & nuts
Cooper S Studs & Nuts 42 ft/lbs (a 'dimple' in the centre of the stud and 8 on one of the flats of the nuts)
Cooper S Bolt (there was one near the thermostat) 25 ft/lbs
Latest Studs and Flanged Nuts 50 ft/lbs (Conical Stud ends and Flanged Nuts).

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Thanks for all the info. Kinda backs up what we thought....we're both right

Thanks for the different torques GT, based on that these are later model ones. Who knows where I robbed them from....