Re: Head Gasdket leaking combustion

Posted by Ernie Vitucci On 2016/6/18 18:09:25

Good afternoon Jim...First drain the coolent. Then make up a mixture of 50/50 ATF and Acetone and put some on each head bolt/nut. Do this evey day for a week and then take the illustration for installing the head and start to loosen the bolts in reverse order. The studs are about the same as the Model A Ford...not very big. Set your Torque wrench for 40 pounds feet and gently try to remove the nuts. If one does not move, soak it again, be patient and you'll be fine. Don't give in to using more torque pressure as some of the head bolts might have stuck nuts but be a bit rusty and easy to break.

Once you have the head off, examine the bolts and chase the threads to clean them up for the new gasket. New nuts and washers are a good idea.
Have the head checked to see if it is warped or is nice and flat. If warped, then have it decked. Use a high quality modern gasket from Kantor or Max for the replacement

If you are not going to do it yourself, you might check with Vintage Automotive Repair in north Phoenix...They do this sort of thing on a daily basis.

Ernie


PS I live in Scottsdale and have the 1949 Deluxe 'Miss Prudence'. Ernie