Replacing Head Gasket 172 CI

[ROADMAN]

Now that we have my problem diagnosed, I ready to start the process of replacing the head gasket. I got everything pressure washed last night and my wife says the tractor isn't near as ugly as it was. She usually enjoys the finer thing in life but for some reason she doen't think my old tractor is as pretty as I do. I read in the FO-20 manual that there is a grommet at the lower end of the oil tube. Does this grommet normally come off and have to be fished out or is there a special trick to keep it form comming off?
 

[ErnieD]

It should stay stuck to the bottom of the tube. Just wiggle the tube back forth and gently pull.
 

[ROADMAN]

Thanks ErnieD

Clay
 

[ROADMAN]

While I have it clean I am going to replace the gauges. None of the gauges work. Do the universal gauges sold on this site come with all the connections needed and do they fit in the dash? I have converted to 12 Volts so will the ammeter work. The Tractor is a 1957 850.
 

[ROADMAN]

While I have it clean I am going to replace the gauges. None of the gauges work. Do the universal gauges sold on this site come with all the connections needed and do they fit in the dash? I have converted to 12 Volts so will the ammeter work. The Tractor is a 1957 850.
 

[ROADMAN]

I forgot to give the part no's

Oil Gauge Part No. SSW0002
Temp. Gauge Part No. 1042944
Ammeter Part No. AONN10670A

Thanks

Clay
 

[old]

Be sure to drain the cooling system at the radiator and the block drain. That helps keep coolant out of the oil pan ya you still get some in it but not as much that way. Of course you will also have to change the oil while your at it. Also find a small lawn mower gas tank so after putting the head back on you can start it up and get it warmed up so you can then re-torque the head bolts
 

[ROADMAN]

Thanks Old. Yep I already got the oil and filter and new antifreeze. Since I have it down, I'm gonna do some maintainance and replacements I've been putting off. When you get one cleaned up you get inspired to do additional work.

Clay
 

[old]

Just be careful that you do not go to far to fast and end up with other problems. Fix one thing at a time and make sure that works then go on to the next. Learned years ago that if you try to fix to many things before your sure the first problem is fixed you can compound your problems
 

[ROADMAN]

Yep. I'm doing thing like replacing the gas line, gauges, wiring, etc. Just cleaning things up that need to be done. Been looking in the archives for the gas line that someone had build from brake tubing. Hadn't been able to find it. If anyone has done this I would appreciate any information.

Thanks

Clay
 

[old]

I have done the gas line more then once. I run the line forward on the engine and away from the manifold so it does not get hot like to factory line likes to do.
 

[ROADMAN]

I have read that the head bolts that go through the water jackets should be sealed. Will I be able to tell which ones are in the water jackets and what should they be sealed with.

Thanks

Clay