The Ford Barn

SRV49 · 02-01-2023, 11:10 AM

Does anyone know if there a publication, shop manual, online list of tasks or any other description of how to replace the head gaskets? Thanks.

Mart · 02-01-2023, 11:39 AM

There is nothing tricky about it. Just look at it and it should be obvious what you need to do.

Mac van pelt's site will give you the torque figures and bolt tightening sequence when time comes to put them back on.

Drain water.
Remove hoses
Remove head bolts.
Pull heads.

Just looking at it should tell you what to do.

Mart.

19Fordy · 02-01-2023, 11:51 AM

SRV49: Here's a description of how to replace head gasket.. The only practice I do not adhere to is using a pry bar to separate the head from the block because of the chance of literally chipping or breaking of a piece of the head or the block. I have seen this happen. On an 8BA I use a brass headed mallet to tap around the perimeter of the head so as to help jar it loose after soaking the edges of the bolt holes/head/block surface with PB Blaster. It is more difficult to remove heads held in place with studs.
https://techteamproducts.com/2019/02...-1950-ford-v8/

Please view this thread:
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...ce+head+gasket

tubman · 02-01-2023, 12:07 PM

If you are planning on replacing head gaskets, it might be a good idea to check the heads and block for flatness before you reassemble them. This could eliminate the chance of future blown gaskets. It can be accomplished with a straight edge and feeler gauge.

deuce_roadster · 02-02-2023, 12:28 PM

It has been my experience on engines with studs that cleaning the block (&heads) and keeping debris and coolant out of the engine takes longer than unbolting and re installing the gaskets and heads. There are much worse jobs on a flathead so don't worry too much about tackling this. Multiple re torque of the heads are required. Aluminum heads done cold, Cast iron warm or hot. I always do at least 3 times after engine hot/cold cycles.
Good luck. Hope you don't find any bad cracks.

rockfla · 02-02-2023, 12:56 PM

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SRV49
I did this job a few years back, you have not said what condition the motor you are working on is......with that said.....a bit of advice.....If you are going to tackle this job (which it sounds like you are) you might do yourself a favor and several days before you start, take the head nuts off (IF you have studs) and get your best penetrating solution (or mix of) and start soaking your studs now......I like (suggest) getting a can of the compressed air for cleaning keyboards and the like and after every application you put on each and every stud, use the compressed air can and nozzle and blow the penetrating fluids down around the gap around the stud and head after it has soaked down for several minutes and force it down further around the head and studs!!!! Maybe twice a day for a couple of few days. IF the motor has been in the car and had a ground strap attached to one of the studs, you will most likely find that stud to be particularly difficult and usually one or two more close to it!!!!! This will help you tremendously!!!! AGAIN< IF you have studs you might also put a little penetrating fluids on the hex nuts too, and let them marinate before trying to remove them as well!!!!

SRV49 · 02-03-2023, 01:40 AM

Thanks you guys. I appreciate your comments.

Talkwrench · 02-03-2023, 02:11 AM

do not be tempted to put a pry bar in the water neck.

GB SISSON · 02-04-2023, 09:53 AM

On stubborn heads with studs I have had good success with oak wedges tapping evenly around the edges. The lumberyard has plastic wedges for shimming doors etc if you can't make them. Be mindful of where the valves are!

chap52 · 02-05-2023, 08:02 AM

I like to put a very light rub of grease on both sides of a new Head Gasket. Makes it a lot nicer if you have to remove them later... Chap

tubman · 02-05-2023, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chap52

I like to put a very light rub of grease on both sides of a new Head Gasket. Makes it a lot nicer if you have to remove them later... Chap

Yep. If you need sealant, your head/block are either not flat enough or not clean enough or both. With the price of head gaskets these days, reusing them makes sense.

Robert/Texas · 02-05-2023, 09:20 AM

Another thing I would like to add is, don't use a cheap torque wrench unless you have a lot of swing room if you are doing it in the car. I tried to use a Harbor Freight one on my '37 Ford but gave up and borrowed a good one from a relative.

Brendan · 02-05-2023, 11:19 AM

DO NOT DO "THE ROPE TRICK"! this is a bad idea

02-01-2023, 11:10 AM	#1
SRV49 Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2019 Posts: 7	Head Gasket replacement step-by-step ? Does anyone know if there a publication, shop manual, online list of tasks or any other description of how to replace the head gaskets? Thanks.

02-01-2023, 11:39 AM	#2
Mart Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Solihull, England. Posts: 8,755	Re: Head Gasket replacement step-by-step ? There is nothing tricky about it. Just look at it and it should be obvious what you need to do. Mac van pelt's site will give you the torque figures and bolt tightening sequence when time comes to put them back on. Drain water. Remove hoses Remove head bolts. Pull heads. Just looking at it should tell you what to do. Mart.

02-01-2023, 11:51 AM	#3
19Fordy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Coral Springs FL Posts: 10,950	Re: Head Gasket replacement step-by-step ? SRV49: Here's a description of how to replace head gasket.. The only practice I do not adhere to is using a pry bar to separate the head from the block because of the chance of literally chipping or breaking of a piece of the head or the block. I have seen this happen. On an 8BA I use a brass headed mallet to tap around the perimeter of the head so as to help jar it loose after soaking the edges of the bolt holes/head/block surface with PB Blaster. It is more difficult to remove heads held in place with studs. https://techteamproducts.com/2019/02...-1950-ford-v8/ Please view this thread: https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...ce+head+gasket

02-01-2023, 12:07 PM	#4
tubman Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Minnesota, Florida Keys Posts: 10,320	Re: Head Gasket replacement step-by-step ? If you are planning on replacing head gaskets, it might be a good idea to check the heads and block for flatness before you reassemble them. This could eliminate the chance of future blown gaskets. It can be accomplished with a straight edge and feeler gauge.

02-02-2023, 12:28 PM	#5
deuce_roadster Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Shelton, WA Posts: 3,800	Re: Head Gasket replacement step-by-step ? It has been my experience on engines with studs that cleaning the block (&heads) and keeping debris and coolant out of the engine takes longer than unbolting and re installing the gaskets and heads. There are much worse jobs on a flathead so don't worry too much about tackling this. Multiple re torque of the heads are required. Aluminum heads done cold, Cast iron warm or hot. I always do at least 3 times after engine hot/cold cycles. Good luck. Hope you don't find any bad cracks. Last edited by deuce_roadster; 02-02-2023 at 12:37 PM.

02-02-2023, 12:56 PM	#6
rockfla Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Jacksonville FL Posts: 3,963	Re: Head Gasket replacement step-by-step ? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) SRV49 I did this job a few years back, you have not said what condition the motor you are working on is......with that said.....a bit of advice.....If you are going to tackle this job (which it sounds like you are) you might do yourself a favor and several days before you start, take the head nuts off (IF you have studs) and get your best penetrating solution (or mix of) and start soaking your studs now......I like (suggest) getting a can of the compressed air for cleaning keyboards and the like and after every application you put on each and every stud, use the compressed air can and nozzle and blow the penetrating fluids down around the gap around the stud and head after it has soaked down for several minutes and force it down further around the head and studs!!!! Maybe twice a day for a couple of few days. IF the motor has been in the car and had a ground strap attached to one of the studs, you will most likely find that stud to be particularly difficult and usually one or two more close to it!!!!! This will help you tremendously!!!! AGAIN< IF you have studs you might also put a little penetrating fluids on the hex nuts too, and let them marinate before trying to remove them as well!!!! Last edited by rockfla; 02-02-2023 at 01:03 PM.

02-03-2023, 01:40 AM	#7
SRV49 Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2019 Posts: 7	Re: Head Gasket replacement step-by-step ? Thanks you guys. I appreciate your comments.

02-03-2023, 02:11 AM	#8
Talkwrench Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Perth, Western Australia Posts: 2,687	Re: Head Gasket replacement step-by-step ? do not be tempted to put a pry bar in the water neck. __________________ *"Came too close to dying to stop living now!"*

02-04-2023, 09:53 AM	#9
GB SISSON Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Orcas Island Washington Posts: 4,940	Re: Head Gasket replacement step-by-step ? On stubborn heads with studs I have had good success with oak wedges tapping evenly around the edges. The lumberyard has plastic wedges for shimming doors etc if you can't make them. Be mindful of where the valves are! __________________ Owner/Operator of 'Jailbar Ranch' on the side of Mt. Pickett. Current stable consists of 1946 1/2 ton pickup turned woodie wagon with FH V8, 1947 Tonner Pickup (red) mostly stock with exception of a cummins 6at turbo diesel, 1946 Tonner Pickup (green) with 226 cu in 6 cyl flathead, 1979 Toyota landcruiser wagon, completely encased in 1947 Ford Jailbar sheet metal. Ok, cornbinder rear fenders..... 'Rusty ol' floorboards, hot on their feet' (Alan Jackson)

02-05-2023, 08:02 AM	#10
chap52 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Marana Arizona Posts: 1,776	Re: Head Gasket replacement step-by-step ? I like to put a very light rub of grease on both sides of a new Head Gasket. Makes it a lot nicer if you have to remove them later... Chap

02-05-2023, 09:20 AM	#12
Robert/Texas Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Burton, Texas Posts: 681	Re: Head Gasket replacement step-by-step ? Another thing I would like to add is, don't use a cheap torque wrench unless you have a lot of swing room if you are doing it in the car. I tried to use a Harbor Freight one on my '37 Ford but gave up and borrowed a good one from a relative. Last edited by Robert/Texas; 02-05-2023 at 12:09 PM. Reason: spelling

02-05-2023, 11:19 AM	#13
Brendan Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: At my kitchen table in Santa Rosa, Ca Posts: 2,903	Re: Head Gasket replacement step-by-step ? DO NOT DO "THE ROPE TRICK"! this is a bad idea __________________ If it would have been a snake it would have bit ya! i can't spell my way out of a paper bag!