Ford 861 pushrod gasket

[DaveinTN]

Hi, I'm new to the forum so I'm not sure if this is in the right place? I have a 1958 Ford 861 Tractor with 4 cylinder gas engine. The pushrod cover is leaking and I can't figure out how to replace it without removing the Distributor? I'm nervous about removing the distributor and looking for advice on how to replace the gasket properly. If removing the distributor is necessary - I could sure use some help with that because it runs good right now and I know how easy it is to mess up the timing and that's not something I'm comfortable with... thanks, Dave in TN

 

[Andy Wickiser]

Hi, I'm new to the forum so I'm not sure if this is in the right place? I have a 1958 Ford 861 Tractor with 4 cylinder gas engine. The pushrod cover is leaking and I can't figure out how to replace it without removing the Distributor? I'm nervous about removing the distributor and looking for advice on how to replace the gasket properly. If removing the distributor is necessary - I could sure use some help with that because it runs good right now and I know how easy it is to mess up the timing and that's not something I'm comfortable with... thanks, Dave in TNView attachment 116984

I looked at mine and don't see a problem removing the spark plug wires from the spark plugs, removing the cover bolts, then tilting the cover forward then up and out. Of course clean the area up real good before starting.

 

[DaveinTN]

thanks for the reply - did you glue the gasket to the cover by chance? I've removed the cover and it was a tight fit for the cover behind the distributor so I'm a little perplexed how to get the gasket where I need it to be without it moving when I try to slide the cover back in behind the distributor...the new gasket is thick cork gasket I got from Steiner Tractor Parts... BTW I have cleaned the engine before I pulled the cover off.... I think the dirt was keeping it from leaking worse than it did... I only want to do this ONCE - and I don't want to break anything... thanks for the help. Dave

 

[Andy Wickiser]

thanks for the reply - did you glue the gasket to the cover by chance? I've removed the cover and it was a tight fit for the cover behind the distributor so I'm a little perplexed how to get the gasket where I need it to be without it moving when I try to slide the cover back in behind the distributor...the new gasket is thick cork gasket I got from Steiner Tractor Parts... BTW I have cleaned the engine before I pulled the cover off.... I think the dirt was keeping it from leaking worse than it did... I only want to do this ONCE - and I don't want to break anything... thanks for the help. Dave

Well to be honest the last time I did that I had the engine out and I don't recall any issues. I don't like to use sealant/glue on a gasket unless the book calls for it but others may disagree. I sometime hold a gasket in place for assembly with dabs of vasoline. I looked up the torque value for what the manual calls the Valve Push Rod Chamber Cover and it was listed as 20-30 in. lbs., it's good to get big gaskets torqued evenly.

 

[Btzj02]

I used a liquid gasket sealant dressing for that gasket that is a lot like contact cement. I covered both sides of the gasket sealing surface and waited 5 minutes. Once dry it is still tackey enough that it sticks to the push rod cover. Permatex and Gasgacinch are common brands.

 

[JMOR]

No help to your question, but with all that oil around spark plugs, 'above' the cover in question, I suspect a leak from above, i.e., rocker arm/valve cover.

 

[Eman85]

Don't be afraid of the dark, it won't hurt you. A couple of Youtube videos and a little common sense and the distributor is simple. I wouldn't work on a motor that dirty, wash it down and pinpoint the leak. Sticking a gasket to a cover with yellow weatherstrip adhesive works well. Coating both sides of a gasket, especially cork isn't needed and makes you say real bad words if you ever have to work on it again.

 

[tractorford]

yea when i changed out my side cover gasket i didnt have to remove the distributor completely- maybe i just popped the distributor cap off-- just wiggle the old gasket side cover fellar out, and remember the cutout window should be at the bottom if you got one on yours-- didnt use any extra goop etc, no leaks yet- you should be able to hold it in place as you get the 3 exterior bolts started--- apparently the 'tightness' is supposed to be very soft--- its something in "inch pounds" not "foot pounds" ....

 

[DaveinTN]

No help to your question, but with all that oil around spark plugs, 'above' the cover in question, I suspect a leak from above, i.e., rocker arm/valve cover.

Yeah, I had to change the Valve Cover Gasket which was a chore too, lol! I took the photo before I started...