M head torque values

Slappy · Mar 12, 2010

Good morning,

I was hoping to get opinions on torque values for a Farmall M (1950 gas tractor) head. The Serviceman's Guide says 75 ft pounds and the IT Manual calls for 110.

The head studs are in great shape and I'm reusing them. I've installed an overbore sleeve and stepped piston set, but no other modifications. So I was considering splitting the difference and torquing the head to 90 ft lbs.

Your thoughts?

Thanks

Bob M · Mar 12, 2010

Slappy - My I&T says torque the head stud nuts to 110 - 130 ft lb. Myself I'd lightly oil the studs then wind the nuts down to 110.

sflem849 · Mar 12, 2010

I just read the "IT Shop Manual" thread right around this one and it confirmed my thoughts.
It is possible that the IT manual is an updated torque number bc they had problems with the lower torque. The IT manual is (probably) a much later edition and maybe they learned something between 195X and 198X. Just a thought.

CNKS · Mar 12, 2010

I don't have the service man's guide, but the IH service manual for the M says 110.

soybeanjoe · Mar 12, 2010

When I had to replace the head on my M a couple years ago an old IH mechanic told me to torque the head bolts to 110#. He recomended to first torque all to 85# using the prescribe toqueing sequence then to retorque to 110#, run engine for about 30 minutes then retorque to 110#. That the way I did mine & so far no problems.

BTW, He also recomended using aluminum paint on the head gasket

M head torque values

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