Re-torque Head bolts on 2210

Smoody · Mar 13, 2012

I noticed on my 2210 there are pin hole sized bubbles coming from between the head and block, does this mean head gasket is bad, there is no contamination in the radiator or oil and no bubbles in the rad neck. Its not pouring down the side of the block or anything its hardly even there, at operating temp you can see a bubble here and there up front left corner where head and block meet.

Should I re-torque the head bolts to see if that fixes it? if so what is the proper way to do that, loosen then tighten back down?

I am not sure if the head has ever been removed by previous owners.

also, what size socket for the head bolts and the torque specs.

Thanks

clemsonfor · Mar 13, 2012

Smoody said:
I noticed on my 2210 there are pin hole sized bubbles coming from between the head and block, does this mean head gasket is bad, there is no contamination in the radiator or oil and no bubbles in the rad neck. Its not pouring down the side of the block or anything its hardly even there, at operating temp you can see a bubble here and there up front left corner where head and block meet.

Should I re-torque the head bolts to see if that fixes it? if so what is the proper way to do that, loosen then tighten back down?

I am not sure if the head has ever been removed by previous owners.

also, what size socket for the head bolts and the torque specs.

Thanks

Not sure on the socket size but sure its metric? Just try some till one fits? I have the head torque specs in a manual for a 240 at home but my guess is one of these guys like Winston cary or C Doc has them handy and can help before i can get to my manual, if not i will post later.

I think one member on here who bought a tractor somewhere maybe the guy who bought a second hand Little Miami tractor (name like Albatross something i think?) had this problem. Maybe a totally different person?

Anyway i would retorque them at first but i think you have blown the seal in the gasket and its leaking compression. I dont think retighting them will do much long term. I think i would buy a new gasket and pull the head if i was you.

Smoody · Mar 13, 2012

I was asking for the socket size as I am at work and do not have 1/2" sockets, I just bought a torque wrench a few days ago, was gonna stop by HF on the way home from work to get the correct socket, else I can determine size when i get home this evening.

The tractor never actually ran hot at least while in my use, 210 degrees shouldn't have blown it I wouldn't think.

I am in the middle of prepping summer food plots so it will have to wait a bit on replacement.

careyo63 · Mar 13, 2012

22mm HB. at 135 lbs. and 17mm on the valve cover.

Smoody · Mar 13, 2012

careyo63 said:
22mm HB. at 135 lbs. and 17mm on the valve cover.

Thanks, do you have torque for valve cover as well?

careyo63 · Mar 13, 2012

Good n tight.

Smoody · Mar 13, 2012

careyo63 said:
Good n tight.

:thumbsup:

Smoody · Mar 13, 2012

Man, I hate to pull the head for such a miniscule leak, its literally just a bubble every few minutes, I would have never knew it if I hadn't been starring at it after flushing the radiator, it does not get above 175 degrees now and i worked it hard.

I already know the answer but is there any sealant safe to run in it to maybe patch that one spot?

284 International · Mar 13, 2012

I have never used the sealers, because I have never understood how they could block holes that aren't the tubes the radiator core. I just don't trust them. That is completely subjective, and I have no support for that position.

I DO have several service manuals for Honda and Suzuki motorcycles that recommend their house brand radiator sealer, though I haven't ever used it.

That was a lot of talking to say "I have no clue..." if it is leaking compression, I have a hard time seeing how a paste would stop what a metal gasket cannot. I would also rather have the thing leaking to the outside of my engine as opposed to the inside, in case it did work and merely shifted the problem to an invisible area.

careyo63 · Mar 13, 2012

No harm in checking it. And they may not be tight. and if there not I'd tighten them up. May add about 5lbs just to make sure there tight. Work inside out for the seq. May have been do it for yrs. so no harm no fowl if it's running cool now. I'd like to see a pic. of it and exactly were it's leaking at.