Welcome! Please use the navigational links to explore our website.
PartsASAP LogoCompany Logo Auction Link (800) 853-2651

Shop Now

   Allis Chalmers Case Farmall IH Ford 8N,9N,2N Ford
   Ferguson John Deere Massey Ferguson Minn. Moline Oliver

Farmall & IHC Tractors Discussion Forum
:

Farmall A head gasket - advice for a newbie

Welcome Guest, Log in or Register
Author 
Butch Heilig

06-06-2005 18:03:32




Report to Moderator

Hi all,

I have a ~'39/40 (no serial known) Farmall A. Last time I started her up, I got a shower of antifreeze. It has only been run a little bit in the past year, and never showed any signs of overheating, so I'm guessing (and praying) that it's a blown head gasket.

I have several of the popular books on restoring tractors, as well as the shop manual for the A/B, and am reasonably adept at backyard mechanics.

I'm wondering two things. First, where's the best place to buy gaskets, and second, are there any particular pitfalls I need to be wary of when I launch into this? I've never removed a head (from anything bigger than a Briggs & Stratton), and I guess I'd like something (or someone) to kind of hold my hand on this.

Actually, I also really need to replace the manifold, as it's had a replacement exhaust pipe crudely welded on it at some point, and is really in need of replacement. My muffler sits raked back at a jaunty angle due to this pipe being put in crooked all those years ago.

Thanks for any and all advice. I sure wish I had the serial number off this baby..

Tks!

Butch

[Log in to Reply]   [No Email]
El Toro

06-07-2005 03:48:58




Report to Moderator
 Re: Farmall A head gasket - advice for a newbie in reply to Butch Heilig, 06-06-2005 18:03:32  
Set those valve clearances to .017" until you get the engine running and after it heats up, then retorque the head and reset the valves to .014" hot. Hal



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Paul in Mich

06-06-2005 19:29:58




Report to Moderator
 Re: Farmall A head gasket - advice for a newbie in reply to Butch Heilig, 06-06-2005 18:03:32  
Butch, The best place by far to purchase a head gasket is from a Case NH dealer. Also ask for their sealing compound which is a spray. When installing the gasket, spray both sides of the gasket, and set it in place making sure you have it right side up. Then, very gently lower the head over the studs and onto the gasket. Allowing the head to drop onto the new gasket will in most cases crush the sealing qualities of the gasket. Next, install the head nuts finger tight, and then starting in the middle begin to tighten each nut and work back and forth toward the outside nuts. First torque each nut to 50 lbs, then repeat the torquing process adding 5 lbs each increment, until all are torqued to 80 lbs. (this is with the Case IH gasket replacement, gaskets from other sources may require different maximum torque specss). Go around each nut 3 or 4 times at the final torque setting. After you are satisfied that you have torqued the head properly, then reinstall the rocker arm assembly. (Assuming that you removed the rocker arm assembly, dont try replacing the head with the rocker arm assembly intact, as you will not get an accurate torque value on the nuts directly under the shaft) Once the rocker arm assembly is in place, establish TDC with #1 cylinder in the compression position. Both !1 and #4 cylinders will be up, and #2, and #3 will be down. Your magneto rotor should be positioned at the #1 position which is, looking from back to front, at 2:00. Once the rocker arm assembly installed, and TDC is verified, you should be able to wiggle, from front to back, #1, 2, 3, and 5 rocker arms. Adjust those arms to .014 clearance. Next, rotate the engine 360 degrees to the TDC mark which will put #4 and #1 piston in the up position once again, but this time, #4 is in compression position. Now you can adjust, from front to back, #4, 6, 7, and 8 to .014. This proceedure allows you to adjust all of the rocker arms in just 2 positions. From here you can install the rest of the components. Good luck.

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
jayw

06-06-2005 18:15:39




Report to Moderator
 Re: Farmall A head gasket - advice for a newbie in reply to Butch Heilig, 06-06-2005 18:03:32  
welcome Butch
You will get a lot of good advise here.
Napa has real good gaskets, and 1 thing too remember DONT pry head up just lift her up she will seem too be a little heavy and stuck but it will come off without any prying.Make sure both servaces are clean and flat.Retork head bolts after there hot and have fun.Jay



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Peabody

06-06-2005 18:13:25




Report to Moderator
 Re: Farmall A head gasket - advice for a newbie in reply to Butch Heilig, 06-06-2005 18:03:32  
I'll start off by saying there ain't nothing magic about removing the head, probably one of the easiest operations on one of these babies. I'll let the others get into the technical aspects, but using a good shop manual, you should have no problem at all. Manifolds and gaskets are readily available, either from online parts places or Ebay. Just make sure you have a torque wrench for reassembly and torque to specs. Have fun!

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Butch Heilig

06-06-2005 18:15:35




Report to Moderator
 Thanks Peabody in reply to Peabody, 06-06-2005 18:13:25  
One other quick question - am I going to have to reset the timing, or will that be affected by removing the head??

Tks!

Butch



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Pharmall

06-06-2005 18:28:14




Report to Moderator
 Re: Thanks Peabody in reply to Butch Heilig, 06-06-2005 18:15:35  
Won't affect the timing, but you will have to reset the valve clearance.



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
jayw

06-06-2005 18:17:45




Report to Moderator
 Re: Thanks Peabody in reply to Butch Heilig, 06-06-2005 18:15:35  
Shouldnt effect the timing at all. Jay



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
[Options]  [Printer Friendly]  [Posting Help]  [Return to Forum]   [Log in to Reply]

Hop to:


TRACTOR PARTS TRACTOR MANUALS
We sell tractor parts!  We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today. [ About Us ]

Home  |  Forums


Copyright © 1997-2023 Yesterday's Tractor Co.

All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any part of this website, including design and content, without written permission is strictly prohibited. Trade Marks and Trade Names contained and used in this Website are those of others, and are used in this Website in a descriptive sense to refer to the products of others. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy

TRADEMARK DISCLAIMER: Tradenames and Trademarks referred to within Yesterday's Tractor Co. products and within the Yesterday's Tractor Co. websites are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of these trademark holders are affiliated with Yesterday's Tractor Co., our products, or our website nor are we sponsored by them. John Deere and its logos are the registered trademarks of the John Deere Corporation. Agco, Agco Allis, White, Massey Ferguson and their logos are the registered trademarks of AGCO Corporation. Case, Case-IH, Farmall, International Harvester, New Holland and their logos are registered trademarks of CNH Global N.V.

Yesterday's Tractors - Antique Tractor Headquarters

Website Accessibility Policy