Need help ordering a Farmall H Engine Kit

[sammygunns1]

So Im on the parts section of this website and Im trying to figure out which complete engine kit would work for my H, I have the block out of
the tractor and completely bare so I want to get as many parts as possible. My Farmall serial number from the tag is FBH-20470, which to me
has indicated that it's a 1940. That doesnt seem to match up with any serial numbers on the parts page. Any help is greatly appreciated, Im
kinda stuck at the moment.

https://www.yesterdaystractors.com/cgi-bin/store/model_parts.cgi?SearchArea=Farmall&md=H&cat=kits
List of H rebuild kits.

 

[mccormicksw4]

without sounding like jerk if you need to asked at least do one thing if you are doing it yourself- take the crank to a machine shop and have it polished or ground depending on what they find when they measure it
you cannot order your kits until you determine the bearings and find out what head is on it_ different heads have different length valves). do not assume its the original. someone like D Slater could give you the casting numbers. I would suggest finding a gas head it doesn't have one

 

[D Slater]

Can point out some things. Serial number 106907 and lower used heads with 3/8 manifold studs instead or 7/16 above that number. Don't know of anyone selling a different manifold gasket for below that number including IH when last around. So don't worry about that. 391357 and lower used different crank journal and bearing sizes than above 391357. Unless the crank was changed sometime you need bearings below that number. But you really need to inspect crank for bearing size first and if good enough to install new bearings without crank work. If getting valves you at least need the head casting number or head removed to check valve length or find a number on the valve. Not very many of those early small manifold stud heads left around so you may have a different head than original. Most people go with the higher compression pistons. Crank bearing size and valve size is about all you need to worry about fitting if getting a kit with those.

 

[sammygunns1]

I guess I should have specified, even though Im not asking about bearing sizes. I have the block, rods, and crank at a machine shop. Crank is
going to need turned .10 over. The head is apart so Im going to have him measure the valves, not worried about that. What Im trying to find
is the right kit on this site for the complete engine

 

[sammygunns1]

SO if anyone can maybe link to the kit that would work for me, that would be great.

 

[sammygunns1]

Unless Im missing something, this site doesnt offer a kit for a serial number as low as mine. I could be wrong.

 

[D Slater]

Maybe I didn't make it plain enough in the other post. Don't know of anything serial 106907 or below has to do with piston and sleeve or crankshaft size rebuild. since you are having the crank bearing size and valve size known just get the type of pistons you want. If the engine block has the same serial number you posted it will have coolant plugs in front and rear of block that should be replaced when torn down. You could check with YT, but think you will find the same piston and sleeve set is furnished with all the serial breaks if comparing flat tops to flat tops or step head to step head.

 

[sammygunns1]

Oh okay, thanks, so since Im getting the crank turned to .010 I should be good to use one of those kits? For example, the 106908 to serial number 391357 kit? I know I'll have to specify bearing sizes as well. Im just trying to gather as much info as I can.

 

[D Slater]

Yes if you notice when going to pistons and sleeves only on YT they only list two sets with no serial breaks. Flat or step head pistons. Only thing different about higher than 391357 is the crank journals were increased in size. Block and rods where the same they just used thinner bearings in those in advance of SH engines.

 

[sammygunns1]

Okay cool, thanks! I?ll order one of those kits in the next few days.

 

[sammygunns1]

So I?ve hit another bump in the road. Had the machine shop measure my valves and they only measured 4.9 inches, I don?t see an options for that under the valve section of the parts page.

 

[sammygunns1]

Okay so I?ve found out my head is a kerosene head. I understand that it?s a lower compression head. Do you think I?ll have any issues with an aftermarket manifold or the aftermarket pistons?

 

[rc_cola85]

As far as the manifold is concerned, I put an aftermarket propane manifold from another well known parts house and it works just fine with my 1940 H.

You might want to double check the head casting number on your tractor. Distillate heads should be 8776, the valves are supposed to be 5.05".

 

[D Slater]

No problem with parts other than lower compression. Step heads pistons may make it close to what a original gas H was. Need to know if the head has a number with raised letters in the valve area like 4 numbers and a letter or letters? Also does any of the valves have a number on the valve head? Kerosene valves can measure a little under 5 inches. If the 4 digit number starts with a 6 that's probably what you have. Depends on what margin the manufacture leaves on the valve heads as to lengths, some vary.

 

[mccormicksw4]

(quoted from post at 07:26:17 03/23/20) Okay so I?ve found out my head is a kerosene head. I understand that it?s a lower compression head. Do you think I?ll have any issues with an aftermarket manifold or the aftermarket pistons?

IMHO take your head to the scrap dealer. You are going to spent a lot of money on this engine and that head. it costs the same to rebuild a gas head and its free horsepower after that! lots of gas heads around all the way up to 350s will fit. I don't think you will regret it :idea:
also don't forget the cam bearings

 

[sammygunns1]

Yeah the number is 6186, so kerosene head. Having some trouble finding a valve kit for the kero head.

 

[rc_cola85]

Walt's Tractors is the only place I've seen in searching that has kero valves, they measure 4.89". I've never bought from them so if someone else wants to chime in.

https://www.link_disallowed/acatalog/UT48081---Basic-Valve-Kit-158422.html

 

[rc_cola85]

I don't know if the last post showed up because of the link. Walt's Tractors has a Kerosene kit for $359. I've never bought from them so I can't speak to it. It's up to you to decide if you want to put the money in that head or source a used gas head.

 

[D Slater]

Search for intake 43912D, exhaust 43913DA. Reliance dealers could get them in the past. Roys red iron did have the exhaust valves and a ebay listing also. That head is real low compression, would look for a 8043 DC or DD head. Most places has parts for those. wouldn't give much unless checked for cracks first. 362533R1 also works but valves for those usually cost more. 300 and 350 361179R1 will work but they don't have a place for line from back of head to air inlet pipe. Pipe can still be used with changes if the 300 350 valve cover is also used. Having trouble with remembering so not sure about the last number on the heads. Some tractor salvage yards sell heads checked and a valve job but not all use new valves and found some with valves cut until the valve head edge was to thin and some valves sunk to far. In other words what I call a cheap
valve job threw at them.

 

[sammygunns1]

I found the kit I need, but it?s much more pricey compared to the regular gas valves. Called around to a few salvage yards and searched the web for gas heads and even non checked ones are going for a pretty high dollar, I guess thats going to be more common as these machines get older. I don?t plan on pulling or working this tractor once I get it done so the lower compression doesn?t really bother me. Gonna throw step head pistons to it as well, being that it already had them.

Here?s the Reliance Kit I found: https://www.link_disallowed/products/ep-949133-international-harvester-valve-train-kit-ih.html
Kerosene Head Valve Kit.