Farmall 460-Multiple Blown Head Gaskets

Anonymous-0 · Oct 29, 2009

I have a Farmall 460 w/C-221 gas engine. My most current frustration comes from a third blown head gasket in just a few years. The original head was replaced about 2 years ago due to it's having several cracks. This is the first gasket to blow with the new/re-manufactured head. My brother does most of the heavy mechanical work on my tractor and has been told by what he believes are reputable sources that the 460 was prone to head gasket failure. I couldn't find anything on this forum regarding this issue, so I'm not so sure.

Has anyone else had a similar problem? If so, is there a solution or is this something I'll be living with on and off for now on?

Thanks in advance,

Geoff W.

Janicholson · Oct 29, 2009

No real history of issues has been mentioned here.
Using premium fuel has been recommended (demanded) by The Tractor Vet for these engines. Also an issue is the flatness of the deck of the engine, and cleaning to bare metal of the old gasket. If it failed in the same place, I would look closely at that spot with a known machinist's straight edge, and feeler gauges. More than .0015 in 6 inches would worry me on either the head or block.
JimN

Owen Aaland · Oct 29, 2009

Head gasket problems are more associated with the diesel engines. Diesels have one less head bolt than the gas and have much higher compression.

In addition to making sure the head and block surfaces are true you also need to watch the sleeve protrusion from the top of the block. If I remember correctly the specification is for between 0.0 and .005 thousands above the block deck surface. Also you need to make sure there is no more that .002 difference between any two adjacent sleeves.

If you need to have the block deck resurfaced you also need to have the sleeve recesses remachined to get the sleeve protrusion correct.

I did have one 560 gas that I worked on where block deck and sleeve heights were bad but otherwise was in good shape. I was able to have the machine shop redeck the block without disassembling the lower end. They just machined the sleeves along with the block. If it ever needs to have new sleeves put in it in the future the sleeve recesses will have to be redone. It was sold on an auction about 15 years later so I don't know where that one ended up.

Anonymous-0 · Oct 29, 2009

Thanks for the reply JimN. I'm burning premium now, but haven't always in the past. We'll check the deck and head clearances this weekend.

The No. 1 & 2 cylinder walls are scored heavily. In your opinion could that be part of the problem with the blown head gaskets?

Also, do I still need to use lead substitute with a new head and valves? I also use 4 oz. of Marvell Mystery Oil in every 10 gals. of fuel to keep the top end lubed.

Geoff W.

scott mcintosh · Oct 29, 2009

Had same problem with 560 gas finally had to deck the block,chamfer bolt holes,purchased new head bolts and yes head was milled twice also installed 5 blade 21 inch fan for extra cooling and made new shroud for radiator.Used all summer pulling new holland 495 haybine,so for it's holding. Scott

mkirsch · Oct 30, 2009

Also, do I still need to use lead substitute with a new head and valves? I also use 4 oz. of Marvell Mystery Oil in every 10 gals. of fuel to keep the top end lubed.

Geoff,

Lead substitute and Marvel Mystery are, and always have been, SNAKE OIL.

They don't do anything but separate your hard-earned dollars from your wallet. There is no benefit to running them in your engine.

dhermesc · Oct 30, 2009

Scoured cylinder walls, blown head gaskets and cracked heads? I don't think changing your fuel is going to do it. Sounds like you have an excessive heat problem. Have you checked your temp guage to make sure its accurate? Do you know how clean your radiator and block are? Is your water pump in good shape and moving water? Milling the deck and head will fix it for now, but you have an underlying problem that will leave you in the same position next summer.

The 221 and 263 engines are very good solid gas engines (although thirsty under load) that with proper care and maintenance will easily give 4 thousand hours of use and up to 6 thousand of hours plus between overhauls. The engine is at least 45+ years old, has it ever been overhauled?

Anonymous-0 · Oct 30, 2009

Thanks, Folks!

I certainly appreciate all the informative responses to my query. You have all been very helpful. The head is off and found that all of the piston sleeves are slightly elevated above the block deck, some are both elevated on one side and level on the other. Also found that the 2 year old connector rod bearings on cylinders 1 & 2 are scored moderately to badly; we didn't bother pulling the others. This old 460 has certainly seen its share of use and abuse in its previously life as a farming work-horse.

I made the command decision this morning to look for a rebuilt engine. If I can find one it would certainly be less expensive than a total tear down and rebuild with lots of machine shop expenses. I think that will be the only way to eliminate any future problems, such as I'm experiencing now.

If you have any more advice or a different view on the matter I would greatly appreciate hearing it.

Thanks again!

Geoff W.
Massac County, IL

El Toro · Oct 30, 2009

You can never be sure when buying a used engine as to what you're getting. You rebuild your engine you will then know what you have. Have a reputable auto machine shop in your area to do the machining to the block, head & crankshaft.
Have them install the sleeves for the correct height in case machining is required. Have new cam bearings installed for good oil pressure. Have the machine shop to furnish the correct bearings since the shaft probably needs to be ground undersize. Check with them to see if the mains need to be line bored. That block may be sludged up not allowing enough oil to the bearings. Hal

Farmall 460-Multiple Blown Head Gaskets

Anonymous-0

Well-known Member

Janicholson

Well-known Member

Owen Aaland

Well-known Member

Anonymous-0

Well-known Member

scott mcintosh

Member

mkirsch

Well-known Member

dhermesc

Well-known Member

Anonymous-0

Well-known Member

El Toro

Well-known Member

Similar threads