Head bolts

[Psychoframer]

Everyday I work on my NAA I learn something new, yesterday I learned that I should have put my head bolts somewhere safer. My 4 yr. Old was out "helping" dad and I lost concentration for a second and knocked the canister they were in over. It wasn't a big deal, because I planned on buying all new head bolts anyway. But that was before: a new starter, wiring harness, air filter, welded manifold, paint, penetrating oil, engine overhaul gaskets, and carburetor rebuild. My tractor is basically going to be a work tractor, but I probably will tear it down again in two years to do a real restoration. I know that if you reuse the bolts they should go back in the same hole they came from originally. So my question is can I get two years out of those head bolts without risking damage to the head by putting them in different holes? Thanks.

 

[danktx]

Thats a new one on me. The only parts I'm aware of that need to be replaced where they came from are parts that wear together like lifters and used camshaft. Provided the length is correct for that hole any head bolt can be used in any hole. I'd just clean and inspect the bolts, chase the threads with a tap to make sure they are clean and torque them to spec. If the holes go into the water jacket I would use a suitable sealer on the threads.

DanK
Good luck

 

[flusher]

Everyday I work on my NAA I learn something new, yesterday I learned that I should have put my head bolts somewhere safer. My 4 yr. Old was out "helping" dad and I lost concentration for a second and knocked the canister they were in over. It wasn't a big deal, because I planned on buying all new head bolts anyway. But that was before: a new starter, wiring harness, air filter, welded manifold, paint, penetrating oil, engine overhaul gaskets, and carburetor rebuild. My tractor is basically going to be a work tractor, but I probably will tear it down again in two years to do a real restoration. I know that if you reuse the bolts they should go back in the same hole they came from originally. So my question is can I get two years out of those head bolts without risking damage to the head by putting them in different holes? Thanks.

I'm installing the head on the Hercules IXB3SL engine (4 cyl,25 hp) from the 1951 Minneapolis Moline BF tractor I'm restoring. 14 bolts, 3/8" x 2.25" L. Since these bolts are 60 years old, I'm replacing them with grade 8 bolts I got from the Fastenal store in Red Bluff (about $7 total). Save yourself worry and get a set of new head bolts.

 

[simonmeridew]

yes Flusher, that's exactly what I did and where I got them, when I restored my 8 N some years ago. Also did same when I was restoring my 34 Buick engine. Worked good.
simonmeridew