Styled D Head Bolt Lead Washers

[tmloos]

I have a 1948 Styled D that I've been working on off and on for about three years. I had a cracked block/head/lower rad tank when I bought it. I had a different block magnafluxed for cracks and sleeved for some .045 over pistons that came with the tractor, a different head completely rebuilt with new valves, guides, seats, etc. reassembled about two years ago. I got busy and it has mostly sat except for a few hours here and there putting things back on when I had time. Yesterday, I filled it with coolant as I am nearly ready to try and start it. The problem is that while I was down adjusting the valves, I noticed that there was coolant dripping from the head nuts. So, I did not use any lead washers as my gasket kit did not include any. I realize that there is controversy surrounding the purpose of these lead washers ie. sealing vs. protecting the head surface. I ordered enough washers for each head stud and I am going to try installing them to see if the leak goes away. My question is can I add the washers one at a time in the torque sequence or do I have to put a new head gasket on and do it from scratch?

 

[turklilley]

Replace them one at a time, and retorque. That will work fine.

 

[John Deere D]

I always use THREAD SEALANT on the STUDS that thread into the BLOCK which come in contact with the coolant as well as lead washers under the nuts. Neighbours 1939 D leaked coolant as did a 1948.........had to remove studs and seal with thread sealer.
Bob.......

 

[tmloos]

I literally can't remember if thread sealer was used. I don't even remember if the block came back from the machine shop already installed or if I installed them!

When your neighbor removed the head to seal the studs, did he install a new head gasket then, or reuse?

 

[John Deere D]

We reused the same head gasket.....double nut the studs , applied thread sealer and installed studs with 1/2" electric impact gun. Used a box end wrench to make sure studs were TIGHT! With head in place,Lubricated the studs, installed lead washers, and torqued head in four steps.
Bob........

 

[tmloos]

Are you saying that with the head in place you double nutted the studs and removed them? That would be fantastic to not have to remove the head. Bad enough I have to pull the radiator and valve cover...

 

[John Deere D]

No we removed the head and radiator.....however your Idea might work! Good luck
Bob.........