Have a HG 42 w/Hercules engine, S/N 1296239.
Pulled head to remove broken plug.
Broke three bolts, removed remnants from head, wallowed threads out a little bit, but believe that with water jacket sealant, they will be OK to use.
Can I use studs in place of bolts? Seems like I could leave the studs "glued" in place and not threaten the block as much as bolts seem to.
What is the correct torque for the head bolts, if I decide to use bolts again?
Thanks,
C.
the head should be torqued to 42 ftlbs
If you are looking for replacement head bolts look for a set for an F model Continental. They are the correct length and they have shoulder formed on the head of the bolt. Myself I would use some form of teflon on the threads. I would also retorque the head once you have run it long enough to warm up the engine to operating temperature. Questions?
I hate to ask dumb questions, but I guess I need to...
The bolt response is mildly discouraging -
John, is a shoulder on the bolt required to center the head properly on the block? I'm curious.
I'll look around and try and find "F" bolts first, but is there a reason not to use Grade 8 bolts, either with or without flat washers to get the lengths right?
Also, I have never used a Teflon product on threads penetrating into the water jacket. Does this work as well as Permatex#2, which is what I've -used on water pumps and the like?
I used the teflon because one of the premier engine rebuilders that we delt with uses it for any engine they rebuild where the head bolts go into the water. I did not realize it had been that long ago but in 1994 I did an articles on the rebuilding of an IX for the Oliver Hart-Parr collectors news letter. I used the teflon on that engine and it is still being used. Let me look over the weekend for the part number for the Continental head bolts. Also remember grade 8 bolts require Grade 8 washers also. Other questions?
John - everyone's been truly helpful. I've only been on this site a month or so to look into basic old iron skills I need in getting my HG up and running, and I'm truly amazed at the advice, good spirits and just plain help you folks out there are willing to provide. THANK YOU!
I looked for PTFE sealants in the local NAPA and found mostly products listed for tapered thread applications, up to 400 degrees F. I'm not sure where to go with that line of thought except to think before jumping.
I was told by Hercules in Massillon that the head bolts have a reduced shank and that's one reason they're special.
As an aside to a previous post, finally got the broken plug out of the head. Had to use a cape chisel after drilling out to almost root diameter.
Next question is does anyone make a 7/8-18 chaser tap for spark plug threads? Brand-new plug taps from Greenfield are $60. or so. I'd prefer to find a chaser tap than spring for the new.
I'd also be interested to see if any readers of this are located in the Maine area and know of rebuilders that may be able to chase the threads for a nominal fee. They're just full of corrosion and carbon and need to be cleaned out...
Thanks again-
C. Bills
That size was popular on many older tractors. Maybe some older implement dealer has one. How far are you from Bangor?
I'm probably two hours - immaterial if I can get the job done...