The Ford Barn

49r · 04-06-2012, 12:58 AM

My 'F Series Trucks' manual states 65-70 1bs for stock cast iron heads but I've searched previous posts and the maximum recommeded seems to be around 60 1bs. Did Ford originally get it wrong, or should we just be more conservative these days? Am I likely to blow a gasket by only going to 60 1bs, or more likely to do so by pulling the deck up by using a higher torque setting?

Cecil/WV · 04-06-2012, 06:39 AM

I torque to 70, no problems.

mtflat · 04-06-2012, 07:15 AM

55 to 60 is for aftermarket aluminum heads, done in 3 steps of about 20# increments.

My stock iron heads are done to 70 as Henry said.

19Fordy · 04-06-2012, 08:31 AM

My 1951 Mercury Manual says 65 to 70 foot pounds is recommended.

B_man_Al · 04-06-2012, 09:29 AM

I think you need modify the torque values, based on the type of fasteners used. Bolts need more torque because of the coarser threads, studs need less ( fine threads on the nuts). The Ford specs reflect these changes (Higher with the 8BA because of the use of bolts)... comments?

Barry-ct · 04-06-2012, 05:33 PM

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Did my 50 F-1 with cast iron heads to 70 lbs in 3 steps, still ok after 3 years and no problems.

JWL · 04-07-2012, 06:41 AM

It is truly amazing the way a Flathead engine can absorb mis-guided mechanical prodding and keep on ticking. I think it was O'Ron who says no system or procedure is wrong except the one that does not work.

04-06-2012, 12:58 AM	#1
49r Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Wellington New Zealand Posts: 308	8BA Head Bolt Torque Cast Iron Heads My 'F Series Trucks' manual states 65-70 1bs for stock cast iron heads but I've searched previous posts and the maximum recommeded seems to be around 60 1bs. Did Ford originally get it wrong, or should we just be more conservative these days? Am I likely to blow a gasket by only going to 60 1bs, or more likely to do so by pulling the deck up by using a higher torque setting?

04-06-2012, 06:39 AM	#2
Cecil/WV Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Gerrardstown, WV Posts: 2,265	Re: 8BA Head Bolt Torque Cast Iron Heads I torque to 70, no problems.

04-06-2012, 07:15 AM	#3
mtflat Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Kalispell Montana Posts: 344	Re: 8BA Head Bolt Torque Cast Iron Heads 55 to 60 is for aftermarket aluminum heads, done in 3 steps of about 20# increments. My stock iron heads are done to 70 as Henry said.

04-06-2012, 08:31 AM	#4
19Fordy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Coral Springs FL Posts: 10,930	Re: 8BA Head Bolt Torque Cast Iron Heads My 1951 Mercury Manual says 65 to 70 foot pounds is recommended.

04-06-2012, 09:29 AM	#5
B_man_Al Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Ottawa ON Canada Posts: 301	Re: 8BA Head Bolt Torque Cast Iron Heads I think you need modify the torque values, based on the type of fasteners used. Bolts need more torque because of the coarser threads, studs need less ( fine threads on the nuts). The Ford specs reflect these changes (Higher with the 8BA because of the use of bolts)... comments?

04-06-2012, 05:33 PM	#6
Barry-ct Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Newington, Connecticut Posts: 1,374	Re: 8BA Head Bolt Torque Cast Iron Heads Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Did my 50 F-1 with cast iron heads to 70 lbs in 3 steps, still ok after 3 years and no problems. __________________ Barry 50 F-1

04-07-2012, 06:41 AM	#7
JWL Member Emeritus Join Date: May 2010 Location: Fitzgerald, Georgia Posts: 2,204	Re: 8BA Head Bolt Torque Cast Iron Heads It is truly amazing the way a Flathead engine can absorb mis-guided mechanical prodding and keep on ticking. I think it was O'Ron who says no system or procedure is wrong except the one that does not work.