JD M

[donjdm]

My JD M was putting antifreeze in the crank case oil. After
removing the head I find the head casket is distorted as you
can see in the photos. What would cause this and what do I
do to prevent this from happening again. Any advise would
be welcome.

 

[M-MAN]

70 years of wear and tear would be my guess. Clean it up good, make sure it's flat and put a new gasket on it. Maybe the next one will last 80 years before it fails.

I suspect the fire ring failed first and the pressure blew the water jacket seal.

 

[donjdm]

Thanks for the comments. More questions. Do I need to get the head planned at a machine shop and how tight to torque the head bolts? Thanks.

 

[Resting Relics 1]

Hey,
I had one on a Model 40 that I owned do exactly the same thing. The 40 used the same engine. As far as I could tell the engine had never been apart. Assuming it just got tired after more than 60 years. Ran it for a long time after with no issues.
Good Luck, John

 

[M-MAN]

Just lay a straight edge across it and make sure it's flat. An aluminum level will work. Torque to 110 ft lbs.

 

[donjdm]

There is a slight scoring on the head and block where the gasket damage is. Should I put a film of BJ weld in that area. To plain the head the manifold must be removed. The bolts are seriously corroded. Removed would be difficult.