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Old 11-21-2019, 09:29 AM   #1
rockfla
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Default 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)
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Old 11-21-2019, 09:34 AM   #2
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Default Re: Correct Head torque

I use 45 lb ft.
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Old 11-21-2019, 11:08 AM   #3
19Fordy
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Default 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.
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Old 11-21-2019, 11:12 AM   #4
Ol' Ron
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Default 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.
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Old 11-21-2019, 02:50 PM   #5
Ross F-1
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Default Re: Correct Head torque

Quote:
Originally Posted by 19Fordy View Post
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.
The Truck manual for 48-52 8BA/8RT says to go 65-70. FelPro says the same for their PermaTorque gaskets.
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Old 11-21-2019, 03:12 PM   #6
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Default Re: Correct Head torque

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In 25 years, I have never had a problem with 45 lb ft.
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Old 11-21-2019, 04:02 PM   #7
rockfla
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Default 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.
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Old 11-24-2019, 08:48 AM   #8
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Default 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
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Old 11-24-2019, 09:19 AM   #9
David J
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Default 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 .
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Old 11-24-2019, 10:14 AM   #10
flatjack9
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Default Re: Correct Head torque

What you used is non-hardening.
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Old 11-24-2019, 10:20 AM   #11
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Default Re: Correct Head torque

Quote:
Originally Posted by flatjack9 View Post
What you used is non-hardening.



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
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Old 11-24-2019, 11:18 AM   #12
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Default Re: Correct Head torque

Thx Flatjack9 & Terry, again sorry to change direction of thread
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Old 11-24-2019, 01:28 PM   #13
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Default Re: Correct Head torque

The Nut's Behind the Wheel!
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Old 11-24-2019, 03:27 PM   #14
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Default Re: Correct Head torque

I’ve had a loose nut behind the controls for years, can’t figure out how to fix it,
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Last edited by AnthonyG; 11-25-2019 at 10:32 AM. Reason: Fat fingers
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