Stem Question

[jimmea]

I've bought a new longer stem to replace my current one, both are the exact same brand, diameter etc but i'm concerned about the gap between the stem and clamp, it won't tighten anymore but It appears to be bigger gap than the old one it replaced. Pics below

https://flic.kr/p/28SsMuY
https://flic.kr/p/28SsMEY
https://flic.kr/p/28SsMmb
https://flic.kr/p/LPamsQ

[rafletcher]

Assuming you’ve the correct clamp size, that looks fine to me, mine is just the same, top and bottom.

[frankly frankie]

You only show the top (understandably).  It's best to get the gaps top and bottom the same or similar.  And don't overtighten!  (expensive) This type of clamp (4 bolts) is often only rated for 5Nm per bolt, which isn't much.

[Samuel D]

As frankly frankie implies, not much can be said from a photo of the top only. If the bottom doesn’t have the same gap, the screws can be loaded in bending.

[jimmea]

Pics of the bottom now added.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/62984876@N04/42411036415/in/dateposted-public/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/62984876@N04/42597351704/in/dateposted-public/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/62984876@N04/41505220750/in/dateposted-public/

[rafletcher]

That’s fine and normal.

[Samuel D]

I try to get the top and bottom (and left and right) gaps as similar as strictly identical torque values permit. In your case the gap is slightly larger at the bottom. The size of the gap itself would not concern me.