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leaking head gasket after replacement

1K views 2 replies 3 participants last post by  JohnW 
#1 ·
I just completed replacing the head gasket on my Ford 641 tractor. Starts and seems to run good but after warming up and putting under light load I am seeing some antifreeze bubbling out from the head on the same side of the block as the spark plugs. This is where it leaked previously.

I thought I followed all the right replacement steps. I had the head checked and planed and got new head gasket from ford dealer. Cleaned the block. Used copper sealant spray on the head gasket. Followed tightening sequence and used torque wrench - first half way to about 40 ft lbs and then again to full 80 ft lbs. I did not replace the cylinder head bolts.

The original leak appeared in the same location - along the head / block line on same side as the plugs.

So what do I do now?

I am considering these in this order:

- warming up tractor to normal temp, then removing gas tank and valve cover to re-torque the head. When I originally torqued the head, it was only about 40 degrees. So maybe when it warms up, it is not torqued as tightly.
- using a head gasket sealant. Any one had any experience with this and if so, what sealant would you recommend?
- replacing the head gasket again but not sure what I need to do differently to not have the same problem.

All comments and suggestions appreciated.

Thanks
 
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#3 ·
Three things, first did you check the deck and head for flatness? Chances are the head could stand to be shaved a few thousands to make it flat. Second did you use sealer on the gasket when you installed it, commercial sealers, spray paint or grease should be coated on the gasket before installation. Did you torque them in the proper sequence? After installing a new gasket run the engine to get it up to operating temp then shut it down and re-torque the head. When torquing the head, run the bolts as many times as necessary till they do not move at all when torquing them. I have torqued bolts as many as 10 times to get them all where they did not move. Also be SURE you torque them in the proper sequence so you do not warp the head.
 
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