560 diesel headbolt spacers

[JohnDavid1]

I'm in the process of putting a head gasket on a 560 diesel. Just wondering what the purpose of the spacers are? I'm replacing headbolts
with cat headbolts. Wondering if I could get 7 shorter bolts and not use the spacers? Also, I'm installing a block heater, does it matter
which freeze plug I use?

 

[fastfarmall]

I cant speak to the spacers,but i put new freeze plugs in the 361 Diesel, i used Dorman brand, they sealed up perfectly, if that was your concern !!

 

[Dieseltech]

If I recall the spacers are there so the bolts can be torqued easier with the exhaust manifold installed. One of my IH diesels I put it two block heaters, does not matter which holes are used.

 

[rustred]

them spacers go behind the exhaust manifold so u can get on them bolts with a torque wrench. 2 lengths of them. the two tall ones go behind the two double centre outlets. sure makes things easy. as for freeze plugs just get them at napa and use what it has. i take it your knocking the old freeze plug out for the block heater and not using a circulating heater? circulating works way faster and better. on these days i plug in for 30-40 minutes and mine starts like summer time and in -30 3 hrs does the trick and i also use the oil pan heater in extreme cold.

 

[JohnDavid1]

Thanks for the info, it was very helpful

 

[JohnDavid1]

Thank you

 

[JohnDavid1]

Thanks