The Ford Barn

PepeLoco · 11-13-2011, 01:28 PM

What is the best gasket replacement for a high compression head?
When my wife replaces the gasket, any special tips or tricks we should tell her?

Thanks,
Pepe Loco
Austin

quickchange · 11-13-2011, 01:42 PM

Hmmmmm could be on thin ice here. Mine uses Felpro copper ones with spray on copper coat, An expensive meal out also helps,

Jason in TX · 11-13-2011, 01:49 PM

You should also make sure to fix the "WHY" you blew the head gasket.

Is your head warped? Is it a BF head? I just did mine and found the center was low. Had to get it resurfaced. I also searched the net and found others with warped heads that had to do the same thing.

Jim Brierley · 11-13-2011, 02:13 PM

You need to supply her with tools and equipment that she is used to working with, a kitchen table instead of a work bench, Brillo pads, etc. I recommend keeping her away from knives and other sharp instruments! :-)

hardtimes · 11-13-2011, 03:21 PM

You must have a great lady there, as I've only known one who wrenched model As! Best tip I can give is to make every thing clean...and ensure that it's flat! Good luck to you both!

Prior to installing studs, vacuum stud holes of any debris. Hand thread the studs into the block until bottomed out. A little 'never seize' on the lower threads will help accomplish the hand threading and make studs easier to remove , if necessary. If you suspect a water leak at any particular stud, some use a small amount of gasket sealer on that stud lower threads.
Head removal can be a heavy task and cause strained muscles. Parts suppliers sell spark plug hole adapters which you can attach a hoist or pulley setup to remove heavy/stubborn/heavy heads.

warning: if you choose to use compressed air to blow metal chips/other debris, in addition to vacuuming or in place of....wear SAFETY goggles. Also, do NOT blow 'stuff' down towards cylinders/rings/pistons.

sturgis 39 · 11-13-2011, 03:31 PM

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I like to drain the anti-freeze and flush the system with water before removing the head. I do not like anti-freeze to be in an open motor. Disconnect the battery, top hose, remove the distributor, fan belt,the head nuts and lift and pry the head off. Scrape the block and keep stuff from falling into the cylinders. I usually vacuum and scrape at the same time. She might need help lifting the head. It might be easier with the fan removed to lift the head off.

Torque the head as shown, re-torque the head after a hundred miles and then torque again.

I am sure somebody will add the stuff I forgot.

sonny30coupe · 11-13-2011, 06:45 PM

Daaaaaaaaaang, sure sounds like you got her trained right. How did you do that?

kp · 11-13-2011, 11:05 PM

like the old CHARLIE WALKER song ,tell her lies and feed her CANDY .

sturgis 39 · 11-14-2011, 12:56 AM

Torque wrench, socket set (3/8 to 3/4), the U shaped wrench for the nut under the distributor,anti seize for stud threads, pliers for cotter pins, gasket scraper, screw drivers for removing distributor, combination wrenches (3/8 to 3/4), gasket sealer,cam wrench for distributor, engine crank for setting the points, rags, solvent, pry bar, wire brush, thread chaser are most of the tools she will need.

You are lucky to have help like your wife. Mine will help sometimes but it she would just as soon not. She always has to change clothes and wants gloves etc.

I am sure I forgot something but somebody should add something.

Spark Plug Socket

Jim Brierley · 11-14-2011, 12:43 PM

I "vacuum" the hole with an air nozzle that has a 3/16" copper tube, about 6" long. Stick it all the way into the hole and blow out the debris.

buyitsmart · 11-14-2011, 03:25 PM

I am getting ready to install a Snyder 5.5 head....all good advice..

TinCup · 11-14-2011, 03:54 PM

We had a couple of Snyder heads bought by local members that were to say the least rough. The casting was not what we had seen in the past. They made them good but how did they go out the door like that.

I could not be happier with mine. When you can accelerate up a hill you know your doing good.

Quote:

Originally Posted by buyitsmart

I am getting ready to install a Snyder 5.5 head....all good advice..

Mike/Nebraska · 11-14-2011, 04:22 PM

Actually I would use the head gasket meant for High Compression heads, Snyders and all the other suppliers have them. They recommend them for High Comp heads

11-13-2011, 01:28 PM	#1
PepeLoco Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Austin Posts: 118	Best way for my wife to replace Hi Comp Head Gasket? What is the best gasket replacement for a high compression head? When my wife replaces the gasket, any special tips or tricks we should tell her? Thanks, Pepe Loco Austin

11-13-2011, 01:42 PM	#2
quickchange Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Nelson. New Zealand Posts: 2,008	Re: Best way for my wife to replace Hi Comp Head Gasket? Hmmmmm could be on thin ice here. Mine uses Felpro copper ones with spray on copper coat, An expensive meal out also helps,

11-13-2011, 01:49 PM	#3
Jason in TX Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: ⓉⒺXⒶⓈ Posts: 2,047	Re: Best way for my wife to replace Hi Comp Head Gasket? You should also make sure to fix the "WHY" you blew the head gasket. Is your head warped? Is it a BF head? I just did mine and found the center was low. Had to get it resurfaced. I also searched the net and found others with warped heads that had to do the same thing. __________________ -------------- Drive it like you know how to fix it! DMAFC / OILERS CC-MC

11-13-2011, 02:13 PM	#4
Jim Brierley Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Temecula, CA Posts: 4,085	Re: Best way for my wife to replace Hi Comp Head Gasket? You need to supply her with tools and equipment that she is used to working with, a kitchen table instead of a work bench, Brillo pads, etc. I recommend keeping her away from knives and other sharp instruments! :-)

11-13-2011, 03:21 PM	#5
hardtimes Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: South California Posts: 6,188	Re: Best way for my wife to replace Hi Comp Head Gasket? You must have a great lady there, as I've only known one who wrenched model As! Best tip I can give is to make every thing clean...and ensure that it's flat! Good luck to you both! Prior to installing studs, vacuum stud holes of any debris. Hand thread the studs into the block until bottomed out. A little 'never seize' on the lower threads will help accomplish the hand threading and make studs easier to remove , if necessary. If you suspect a water leak at any particular stud, some use a small amount of gasket sealer on that stud lower threads. Head removal can be a heavy task and cause strained muscles. Parts suppliers sell spark plug hole adapters which you can attach a hoist or pulley setup to remove heavy/stubborn/heavy heads. warning: if you choose to use compressed air to blow metal chips/other debris, in addition to vacuuming or in place of....wear SAFETY goggles. Also, do NOT blow 'stuff' down towards cylinders/rings/pistons. Last edited by hardtimes; 11-14-2011 at 03:05 PM. Reason: add......

11-13-2011, 03:31 PM	#6
sturgis 39 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Lead. South Dakota Posts: 963	Re: Best way for my wife to replace Hi Comp Head Gasket? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I like to drain the anti-freeze and flush the system with water before removing the head. I do not like anti-freeze to be in an open motor. Disconnect the battery, top hose, remove the distributor, fan belt,the head nuts and lift and pry the head off. Scrape the block and keep stuff from falling into the cylinders. I usually vacuum and scrape at the same time. She might need help lifting the head. It might be easier with the fan removed to lift the head off. Torque the head as shown, re-torque the head after a hundred miles and then torque again. I am sure somebody will add the stuff I forgot. __________________ IF IT CAN NOT BE FIXED WITH BLASTING WIRE, JB WELD OR DUCT TAPE ---IT CAN NOT BE FIXED Do not get me started on the stupidity of ethanol. I think one of the monitors is from Iowa and he will delete the thread.

11-13-2011, 06:45 PM	#7
sonny30coupe Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Kansas City KS Posts: 255	Re: Best way for my wife to replace Hi Comp Head Gasket? Daaaaaaaaaang, sure sounds like you got her trained right. How did you do that?

11-13-2011, 11:05 PM	#8
kp Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Wimberley ,Tx. Posts: 232	Re: Best way for my wife to replace Hi Comp Head Gasket? like the old CHARLIE WALKER song ,tell her lies and feed her CANDY .

11-14-2011, 12:56 AM	#9
sturgis 39 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Lead. South Dakota Posts: 963	Re: Best way for my wife to replace Hi Comp Head Gasket? Torque wrench, socket set (3/8 to 3/4), the U shaped wrench for the nut under the distributor,anti seize for stud threads, pliers for cotter pins, gasket scraper, screw drivers for removing distributor, combination wrenches (3/8 to 3/4), gasket sealer,cam wrench for distributor, engine crank for setting the points, rags, solvent, pry bar, wire brush, thread chaser are most of the tools she will need. You are lucky to have help like your wife. Mine will help sometimes but it she would just as soon not. She always has to change clothes and wants gloves etc. I am sure I forgot something but somebody should add something. Spark Plug Socket __________________ IF IT CAN NOT BE FIXED WITH BLASTING WIRE, JB WELD OR DUCT TAPE ---IT CAN NOT BE FIXED Do not get me started on the stupidity of ethanol. I think one of the monitors is from Iowa and he will delete the thread. Last edited by sturgis 39; 11-14-2011 at 01:03 AM. Reason: Added Spark Plug Socket.

11-14-2011, 12:43 PM	#10
Jim Brierley Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Temecula, CA Posts: 4,085	Re: Best way for my wife to replace Hi Comp Head Gasket? I "vacuum" the hole with an air nozzle that has a 3/16" copper tube, about 6" long. Stick it all the way into the hole and blow out the debris.

11-14-2011, 03:25 PM	#11
buyitsmart Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Altamonte Springs, Florida Posts: 96	Re: Best way for my wife to replace Hi Comp Head Gasket? I am getting ready to install a Snyder 5.5 head....all good advice..

11-14-2011, 04:22 PM	#13
Mike/Nebraska Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Eastern, Nebraska Posts: 354	Re: Best way for my wife to replace Hi Comp Head Gasket? Actually I would use the head gasket meant for High Compression heads, Snyders and all the other suppliers have them. They recommend them for High Comp heads