The Ford Barn

kurt v · 07-12-2023, 10:49 AM

Have .050 from top of piston to head with gasket , head being held down by my son while i turn motor over, will this be good when head is torqued down?
using best gasket set.
thanks
kurt

cadillac512 · 07-12-2023, 05:09 PM

Kurt, it most likely will be, but here's my method: Put the head on with no gasket and turn the engine a full revolution. If nothing hits it'll be fine with the Best gasket. If it just barely bumps the head and doesn't raise it more than .010" it'll also be just fine. I've found the gasket to compress approx .005" when torqued, and I've run as close as .033" piston/head clearance without issue.

Terry

kurt v · 07-13-2023, 12:42 PM

Thanks Terry, i thought that .o40 to .045 would be good.
thanks
kurt

alanwoodieman · 07-13-2023, 04:37 PM

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.o55 for aluminum heads, checked with a ball of aluminum foil

07-12-2023, 10:49 AM	#1
kurt v Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2021 Location: summerton, sc Posts: 486	piston to head clearance Have .050 from top of piston to head with gasket , head being held down by my son while i turn motor over, will this be good when head is torqued down? using best gasket set. thanks kurt

07-12-2023, 05:09 PM	#2
cadillac512 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: Kansas Posts: 1,172	Re: piston to head clearance Kurt, it most likely will be, but here's my method: Put the head on with no gasket and turn the engine a full revolution. If nothing hits it'll be fine with the Best gasket. If it just barely bumps the head and doesn't raise it more than .010" it'll also be just fine. I've found the gasket to compress approx .005" when torqued, and I've run as close as .033" piston/head clearance without issue. Terry __________________ "It don't take but country smarts to solve the problem" (Smokey Yunick) '41 Merc Town Sedan / 260" 8CM engine '66 Fairlane four door / "warmed up" 302

07-13-2023, 12:42 PM	#3
kurt v Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2021 Location: summerton, sc Posts: 486	Re: piston to head clearance Thanks Terry, i thought that .o40 to .045 would be good. thanks kurt

07-13-2023, 04:37 PM	#4
alanwoodieman Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: upstate SC Posts: 3,000	Re: piston to head clearance Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) .o55 for aluminum heads, checked with a ball of aluminum foil