Super A head stud question

RJV · Jun 12, 2008

On a super A head, Should the head studs and nuts also have washers with them? Mine dont. After only 5 months of use on a new head gasket, it started to leak water again. I took the head off, took it to a shop and its straight. The block also is straight, had a machinist come and check it with a straight edge. He noticed that I didnt have washers to go with the studs and nuts. Maybe without washers and possible a stretched stud, Im running out of thread on the stud, and didnt catch it when I installed the head 5 months ago. A possibility?

Thanks all

Hugh MacKay · Jun 12, 2008

RJV: My Super A has washers, always has had them. My 130 does as well. Did you retorque those studs after about 5-6 hours running, back when you first installed the head 5 months ago. also what did you torque those at in the beginning.

grizzthebear · Jun 12, 2008

Mine also has washers. I replaced the studs on mine because the old ones were ruff and some were short. Only twisted off 3, they broke like they were made of butter. I don't think they would have taken the pressure of the new exhaust manifold. I'd also retorque them after a few hours.

RJV · Jun 12, 2008

I let the tractor warm up for about 10 minutes running, then re-torqued. I torqued to 80 ft. pounds as thats what guys told me to do on this site. I did not check it again after a few hours though. Maybe this was my problem.

I definately will get some good stainless washers to put with the stud nuts. I think this may be a problem. When I get the head back, I will be able to check if I was running out of threads on the studs when bolting down the head due to lack of washer and possibly stud stretch.

I love this A. Really cuts the grass well. Lots of power. I use to cut with a cub. What a difference. The head got a total rebuild, new guides, valves, springs. Shop said it was very worn. Im excited to see how much of a difference I can tell with the new head.

Thanks all.

ih560 · Jun 12, 2008

Did you check and see if you head gaskets required sealant? Many of the head gaskets you buy for these old engines advise retorque/sealant required. Some good copper coat on the surface of the gasket might solve your problems.

By the way both my A and Super A do not have washers under the nuts on the head steads and they have been this way since new. My grandfather bought the Super A New and Great Grand Father bought the A New.

RJV · Jun 13, 2008

Yes, I also used copper sticky head spray when installing the first head.

sjh · Jun 13, 2008

My IT book says 65 ft/lbs.

Super A head stud question

RJV

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Hugh MacKay

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grizzthebear

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RJV

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ih560

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RJV

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sjh

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