The Ford Barn

rotorwrench · 03-05-2015, 02:33 PM

As long as you paint a coat of Copper Coat or just plain aluminum pigment silver paint, they will work just fine. Dissimilar metal cylinder head components just need a buffer coat that also acts as a sealant to work. Folks been using them since they first showed up way back when so I don't see any problems other than they are expensive and they do tend to corrode more due to the dissimilarity.

JonC · 03-05-2015, 02:43 PM

Just another twist I have ridden Indian Motorcycles for years, they use Aluminum heads (1948) I have never seen a issue with pitting or corrosion when I have removed the heads. The Clyniders are cast iron so must be the water issue accelerates te corrosion, if that is true then the new antifreeze for aluminum radiators and blocks must have some sort of chemical that reduces the corrosion. If so would our flat heads benefit from using that coolant and eliminate the problem.

tubman · 03-05-2015, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 36tbird

I have not pulled a head yet where I installed these so I cannot report on the success of my theory, http://www.stefs.com/bandb/products/...washerstep.htm.

My theory is that if I can keep the stud centered in the hole, away from the walls, then maybe removal will be easier. I used anti-seize and 50-50 mix also. BTW, you need a special bit to drill the heads for installation of the step washers. I drilled both aluminum and cast iron heads.

These look like an elegant solution to me. The one question I would have is "Are the headbolt holes in the head drilled with enough precision to ensure the studs will be centered in the holes?". If the OP had no problem installing the heads over the studs after these are installed I would think so. Also, are they a press fit in the head? It would sure be nice to find someone who has had some longer term experience with these.

36tbird · 03-06-2015, 09:33 AM

Yo Tub,
The drill bit for these is a bit with a shoulder that limits the depth of the drill for the step washer to sit into. They are not a press fit, but snug.

Fordestes · 03-06-2015, 10:16 AM

Would it be acceptable to use two or even four of the washers to precisely locate the head as desired the other studs and flats would provide the clamping force?
the anti seize should help take care of the galling of the studs,and the other studs should still have some clearance between the heads and bolt holes.

Fordestes · 03-06-2015, 10:48 AM

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Another thing we learned in the trucking industry was some engine manufactures sent
out bulletins to relocate the ground wires or add a ground strap directly from the alternator to another source bypassing any aluminum parts thus eliminating any current from passing through the aluminum parts . also we treated the cooling systems with dowtherm additive in lieu of the old (Zink sacrifice spin on filters and anode rods), I understand now they are using magnesium anodes, it is supposed to be softer than zink and more effective, I use rad-caps with the magnesium anode in my Roush Mustang and flatheads with aluminum heads , also I flush and replace the coolant on a yearly basis and test the coolant with a volt meter periodically for potential corrosion causing acidity build up caused by dissimilar metals.

03-05-2015, 02:33 PM	#21
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 18,007	Re: Modern Aluminum head question As long as you paint a coat of Copper Coat or just plain aluminum pigment silver paint, they will work just fine. Dissimilar metal cylinder head components just need a buffer coat that also acts as a sealant to work. Folks been using them since they first showed up way back when so I don't see any problems other than they are expensive and they do tend to corrode more due to the dissimilarity.

03-05-2015, 02:43 PM	#22
JonC Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Central NY Posts: 629	Re: Modern Aluminum head question Just another twist I have ridden Indian Motorcycles for years, they use Aluminum heads (1948) I have never seen a issue with pitting or corrosion when I have removed the heads. The Clyniders are cast iron so must be the water issue accelerates te corrosion, if that is true then the new antifreeze for aluminum radiators and blocks must have some sort of chemical that reduces the corrosion. If so would our flat heads benefit from using that coolant and eliminate the problem.

03-06-2015, 09:33 AM	#24
36tbird Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: nw SanAntonio, TX Posts: 940	Re: Modern Aluminum head question Yo Tub, The drill bit for these is a bit with a shoulder that limits the depth of the drill for the step washer to sit into. They are not a press fit, but snug.

03-06-2015, 10:16 AM	#25
Fordestes Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 932	Re: Modern Aluminum head question Would it be acceptable to use two or even four of the washers to precisely locate the head as desired the other studs and flats would provide the clamping force? the anti seize should help take care of the galling of the studs,and the other studs should still have some clearance between the heads and bolt holes. Last edited by Fordestes; 03-06-2015 at 10:17 AM. Reason: spelling

03-06-2015, 10:48 AM	#26
Fordestes Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 932	Re: Modern Aluminum head question Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Another thing we learned in the trucking industry was some engine manufactures sent out bulletins to relocate the ground wires or add a ground strap directly from the alternator to another source bypassing any aluminum parts thus eliminating any current from passing through the aluminum parts . also we treated the cooling systems with dowtherm additive in lieu of the old (Zink sacrifice spin on filters and anode rods), I understand now they are using magnesium anodes, it is supposed to be softer than zink and more effective, I use rad-caps with the magnesium anode in my Roush Mustang and flatheads with aluminum heads , also I flush and replace the coolant on a yearly basis and test the coolant with a volt meter periodically for potential corrosion causing acidity build up caused by dissimilar metals.