John Deere M head gasket

[svon89]

I just picked up an M and have to put the head back on. My problem is, how does the gasket register? I mean there are no alignment studs or anything to hold it in place while positioning the head. Is there a trick that is not in the repair manual?

Thanks
Stephen

 

[James Chantry]

Stephen

Having replaced head gaskets on both an M and a 40, what I do is insert 2 wooden dowels(slightly smaller than the bolts and longer than head thickness) at opposite ends of the block. Then I spray the head gasket with "Copperkote" and place over dowels onto the block, then place head on, insert bolts, remove wooden dowels, put last two bolts in and torque. Worked great on both engines.

 

[bullfrog]

James, as I am getting ready to replace head gasket on my 40W, great suggestion! When you re-tourque after warming up, do you completly loosen the head bolts or just re-tighten them?

 

[svon89]

James,
Thanks. That is the kind of hint I needed.
Stephen