Correct Head torque
 

IS my memory correct on 55lb's is the head nut torque for the flathead??? OR is it 65lbs (hence the reason for the post)

Re: Correct Head torque
 

I use 45 lb ft.

Re: Correct Head torque
 

The 1935 to 48 MOTORS MANUAL says on page 437 the following:
cast iron heads 50 to60 ft.lbs,
aluminum heads 35 to 40 ft. lbs.
The 49-51 Mercury Manual says: 65-70 foot pounds.
I would assume 49-53 Ford would be the same.

Re: Correct Head torque
 

I torque all my heads to 45 ft/lbs for 3 heat cycles Don't break and retorque. I use bolts most of the time and use a sealant on the threads.

Re: Correct Head torque
 

The Truck manual for 48-52 8BA/8RT says to go 65-70. FelPro says the same for their PermaTorque gaskets.

Re: Correct Head torque
 

In 25 years, I have never had a problem with 45 lb ft.

Re: Correct Head torque
 

Thanks for everyone's input, I'll follow Flatjack9 & Ol Ron's input and do the 45 with the 3 heat cycles, its for just ONE nut as I removed to clean and lube the ground strap!!! Thanks again.

Re: Correct Head torque
 

Not meaning to steal thread but recently installed the right bank head on an 8BA. Thought about the sealant hardening & Ole Ron’s instructions to torque then heat cycle 3 times & retorque. I used the Permatex w PFTE & couldn’t see any indication of whether it was the hardening type or not. If hardening type would retorque break water seals & torqued head bolt threads?w

Re: Correct Head torque
 

I use 40 on 33-34 aluminum heads .

Had a weeping head gasket years ago and attempted to fix it by going to 60 .

Got to remove the heads to replace some stripped studs .

Won't do that again .

Re: Correct Head torque
 

What you used is non-hardening.

Re: Correct Head torque
 

flatjack's correct...the sealer you used doesn't completely harden and will be fine for retorque. I use it every day (I rebuild diesel engines) for both oil and water thread sealing and it is very good.

Terry

Re: Correct Head torque
 

Thx Flatjack9 & Terry, again sorry to change direction of thread:o

Re: Correct Head torque
 

The Nut's Behind the Wheel!
:D:D:D

Re: Correct Head torque
 

I’ve had a loose nut behind the controls for years, can’t figure out how to fix it, :eek: :D