The Ford Barn

Bruce of MN · 09-27-2023, 06:58 AM

In this reply, an ignition cable clamp mod is suggested. https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showp...27&postcount=8

Not to knock Bob's tip, but how risky is it to loosen that nut, regarding later head gasket problems? I'd like to do it, but I have a washer under the nut now and not enough length for the single clamp ear and a jam nut, without removing the washer.

Big hammer · 09-27-2023, 07:17 AM

Lower the coolant level below the head ( I would just completely drain the coolant) then remove the nut do your work reinstall and re- torque the nut. You should be ok

nkaminar · 09-27-2023, 07:31 AM

The clamp on the ignition cable was used in 1930 as a theft deterrent. In 2023 it does not make much sense. Unless you are going for points, leave the clamp off and just let the cable rest on top of the head.

alexiskai · 09-27-2023, 08:07 AM

I've seen guys claim that they did a quick repair using that nut and there was no effect. However, the entire risk can be mitigated by draining just enough coolant to fill a gallon milk jug, so if you're doing the operation in your garage it seems like it would be prudent to go ahead and drain.

Synchro909 · 09-27-2023, 08:23 PM

I once had a head stud pull out of the block. I had to drive about 20 miles to a friend's workshop to fix it which I did without hesitation.
On another occasion, another friend drove 800 km home from a National Meet through some very hilly country with the same problem. He was disbelieving when I told him he would get home easily. He was a believer when he made it with no issues.
Merely loosening the nut, then retightening it - don't over think it.

Richard Knight · 09-27-2023, 10:03 PM

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If you are a worry wart or want to be completely safe drain the water down. I have removed and reinstalled the nut many times without any negative issues. Yes a drop of coolant may appear. Wipe it off, move on.

Bruce of MN · 09-28-2023, 04:25 AM

Sounds good, I'll go for it! Thanks to all.

09-27-2023, 06:58 AM	#1
Bruce of MN Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: VA Posts: 1,411	Loosen Head Nut In this reply, an ignition cable clamp mod is suggested. https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showp...27&postcount=8 Not to knock Bob's tip, but how risky is it to loosen that nut, regarding later head gasket problems? I'd like to do it, but I have a washer under the nut now and not enough length for the single clamp ear and a jam nut, without removing the washer.

09-27-2023, 07:17 AM	#2
Big hammer Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Land of Lincoln Posts: 3,131	Re: Loosen Head Nut Lower the coolant level below the head ( I would just completely drain the coolant) then remove the nut do your work reinstall and re- torque the nut. You should be ok __________________ Don't force it with a little hammer tap, tap, tap get a bigger hammer tap done

09-27-2023, 07:31 AM	#3
nkaminar Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 3,901	Re: Loosen Head Nut The clamp on the ignition cable was used in 1930 as a theft deterrent. In 2023 it does not make much sense. Unless you are going for points, leave the clamp off and just let the cable rest on top of the head. __________________ A is for apple, green as the sky. Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die. Forget the brakes, they really don't work. The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk. My car grows red hair, and flies through the air. Driving's a blast, a blast from the past.

09-27-2023, 08:07 AM	#4
alexiskai Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Mebane NC Posts: 2,356	Re: Loosen Head Nut I've seen guys claim that they did a quick repair using that nut and there was no effect. However, the entire risk can be mitigated by draining just enough coolant to fill a gallon milk jug, so if you're doing the operation in your garage it seems like it would be prudent to go ahead and drain.

09-27-2023, 08:23 PM	#5
Synchro909 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 7,496	Re: Loosen Head Nut I once had a head stud pull out of the block. I had to drive about 20 miles to a friend's workshop to fix it which I did without hesitation. On another occasion, another friend drove 800 km home from a National Meet through some very hilly country with the same problem. He was disbelieving when I told him he would get home easily. He was a believer when he made it with no issues. Merely loosening the nut, then retightening it - don't over think it. __________________ I'm part of the only ever generation with an analogue childhood and a digital adulthood.

09-27-2023, 10:03 PM	#6
Richard Knight Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2021 Posts: 130	Re: Loosen Head Nut Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) If you are a worry wart or want to be completely safe drain the water down. I have removed and reinstalled the nut many times without any negative issues. Yes a drop of coolant may appear. Wipe it off, move on.

09-28-2023, 04:25 AM	#7
Bruce of MN Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: VA Posts: 1,411	Re: Loosen Head Nut Sounds good, I'll go for it! Thanks to all.