Head Reinstall

[Deleted User]
edited May 2012 in HUDSON
Finally got a break in the schedule and getting the head reinstalled. I found that the bolts between #3 & #4 would not stay torqued. The new bolts are slightly oversized based on the digital caliper.

I seem to recall being told I can put a little oil in the cylinders since they have been open to the air for a little while.

What oil should I use?

Comments

  • brumac
    brumac Expert Adviser
    Pacemaker, It sounds like the head bolt threads in the block are striped out. They can be repaired with a Heli-Coil kit. Your local parts store should be able to get you one.
    Any oil that you have on hand should work for you. Bruce
  • I have seen the heli-Coil kits. What about Lock-Tite?
  • Fred
    Fred Expert Adviser
    Lock-tite locks threads that are there. Heli-coil replaces threads that are stripped.
    Fred
  • First round of Head Bolt torque done. 50lbs using a 1/2" drive Craftsman "Click" torque wrench. Wait 24 hours and then move to the final 75lb.
  • Uncle Josh
    Uncle Josh Senior Contributor
    Yipe! Specs in the manual are 60-65 unless you want to put more heli-coils in.
  • WOW!!!! You are correct, Uncle Josh. I will highlight book right now. I must get used to these new tri-focals (only had them a week).
  • Here is spec from Hudson. They changed the torque spec and sent it out in the service merchandiser.

    image
  • So what you are saying is......That the procedures manual should now be updated to the above.

    What will happen if I use the original specs? And pattern?
  • [Deleted User]
    edited May 2012
    I used this procedure on my last 2 engines and neither leak. I am using Best gaskets on both from Dale Cooper. Use the original spec if you want just check to see if anything is leaking. Also it sounds like you need to repair those two that will not stay torqued that is not acceptable. The above spec was an answer to a service bulletin that Hudson had stating that heads were leaking in the new cars. So they came up with a new gasket and new torquing sequence. I have hundreds of updates like this to the factory manuals.
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  • [Deleted User]
    edited May 2012
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  • I got my new gaskets (bought a spare) from Mr. Cooper as well. I will torque to 65 using the pattern above and finish putting everything back together so I can try to start it and check for leaks.
  • lostmind
    lostmind Expert Adviser
    I got a Tip from a Hudson mechanic that worked at a dealership I bought out the stock
    in the 70's. He told me to coat both sides of the gasket with alluminum paint.
    I've always done this and have never had a problem or "do over ".
    It might be hard to find paint with real Alluminum content today , but it's worth the look.
    Roy
  • [Deleted User]
    edited May 2012
    Uncle Josh.......I just double checked the manual. Section 3-15, figure 12: 6 cyl are torqued to 70-75lbs. The manual still has the old pattern, not the one 51HornetA shared.

    I used the "new" pattern and torqued to 65lbs. I will continue the slow, careful reinstall of everything else (I lost the drain plug somewhere under car). Before I start I will check torque at 65lbs and see how things are holding. Then I will move on to starting and warming it up to torque again.
  • I too was told to use the silver paint and have never had a problem,
    Roger
  • Park_W
    Park_W Senior Contributor
    There's also a spray can paint out there in the parts stores expressly for helping to seal head gaskets ... does something similar to the aluminum paint, but is a bit more sticky and is (attention, '51-'53 Hornet engine owners) a gold color.
  • [Deleted User]
    edited May 2012
    Torque those head bolts up to at least 75Ibs 65 is not good enough. If you are using Dale's Best gasket and "Best" is the brand you do not need to spray anything on it. Just install and torque to proper spec and you will be fine.
  • onerare39
    onerare39 Expert Adviser, Member
    edited May 2012
    I just replaced a leaking Best - GraphTite gasket that I had put on "dry" three years ago. I used Copper Coat this time with the new Best - GraphTite gasket. I only torqued to 65 lbs., 308 cast iron head.

    If you go to the Best gasket website, they tell you to use K & W Copper Coat or Permatex Spray-A-Gasket.

    Here's the link.

    http://www.bestgasket.com/about_our_products.aspbestgasket.com/about_our_products.asp

    Hope this helps,

    John Forkner
  • 3 years plus on one 308 dry install torqued to 75Ibs as per Hudsons factory updated instructions second engine 2 years and counting. Not a leak or problem on either. On every new rebuild I always use new head bolts. Follow the torque procedure and always recheck after about 1000 miles. Just finished two engines for my 54's I am restoring same procedure every time. Nothing wrong with using copper coat if you think you need it.
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