b lead washers

[52JDbpuller]

how important are the lead washers? mine were nonreuseable.

 

[Mike Aylward]

The lead washers keep the nuts from galling into the head. They should be replaced anytime the head is removed. They DO NOT do any sealing, contrary to what some may say. If water gets to that point you have other problems. Mike

 

[Greenday]

OK. First you really dont want to reuse old lead washers. Second you can get them from your JD dealer for around abuck each. They are pretty important to form a seal between the mating surface of the nut and the head and the threads on the stud.

 

[Greenday]

Mike, If there purpose is to keep the nut from binding on the head then how come you dont see lead washers on all engines?

 

[Mike Aylward]

I will say it again. These washers do not seal anything. They are to keep the nuts from galling and to allow a more even tightening. If you would care to look you will see that many times the lead squeezes out anyway. And what is there to seal? Only if the head gasket is leaking should there be any water in this area anyway. The "sealing" myth is just that. Mike

 

[52JDbpuller]

how about just regular washers?

 

[tim s]

Modern engines have a hardened washer between the head and the bolt head to limit gaulding, and don't forget we are talking about 1930's technology here.If the bolts were a bit longer you could use the hard washers here also..Modern metal and hardware have came a long way in the past 50 years or so...that's one of the reasons these old Gals needed to have some of their bolts wired fast, the soft bolts would streech and come loose.

 

[Rusty wheel]

I agree with Mike 100%. As far as using regular washers, I don't think the spot-face on the head is as large as the washer, and it would look like crap. You might be able to use copper washers but if it calls for lead why wouldn't you use lead if it's availabler?

 

[jdf112878]

I have used lead and copper ones on my b. some gasket kits come with the copper ones. deere also still sells and sometimes evn has the lead ones in stock. i would agree that they dont seal..they are for an even torque. they kinda act like a lube. i noticed that when using the two different types on the same tractor. the lead ones tighten much easier.

 

[Bob]

Tim, don't get PO'ed 'cause you're a GURU here, but it's "galling", NOT "gaulding"!

 

[rick deere]

I say use what your suppose to, If they come in a head gasket set than Id think thats what you should use, you would not buy a new car with 16 inch wheels on it and put a 14 on it just because it might fit the bolt pattern.

 

[BushogPapa]

I have used Hardened washers over the lead washer and that works well.. It keeps the lead in place..
That lead is sharp as heck when it squeezes out..!

Ron

 

[Mike M]

2 things I know for sure and can prove !

Lead does act as a lubricant.

A ring of lead solder or a lead washer wrapped around a stud or a bolt will stop leakages.

As to why, if and or how this relates to why they were used on JD 2cyl. head studs I'll leave this to the rest of you to argue over !
JD wanted them there so I put them back on and trim off the excess after it squeeze out.
I have tried the copper ones Deere sends now and did not like them ! They are not soft enough.

 

[rick deere]

I agree with you all the way