Z134 head gasket

[CitrusGrower]

I rebuilt the Continental Z134 engine in my MF30B about a year ago, mostly because of the rings.

It doesn't get a lot of hours of usage because I only use it as a front loader. After 20 to 30 engine hours of usage the head gasket blew out on cylinder 1 at the front right corner of the engine. It was easy to feel the escaping gas before I disassembled it. Probably I didn't install the gasket right or a head bolt loosened up. There's no obvious reason why it blew.

I have new gaskets on the way. Are there any tricks or tips for the Z134 I should follow as I put it back together?

 

[Dan S (NY)]

Did you re torque the head bolts after you had run it up to full operating temperature the first time?

 

[Caryc]

(quoted from post at 11:20:31 01/02/20) Did you re torque the head bolts after you had run it up to full operating temperature the first time?

That's also a good idea if you replace the manifold gasket on a Z134.

 

[John Deere D]

I own a 24 " machinist level.........with head surface spotlessly clean....

check for clearance between the base of the level and the head.........was head checked and or resurfaced?...
As I have NEVER worked on a Z134 engine.........are there cylinder sleeves ...are sleeves supposed to be proud of the engine block?

Bob...

 

[CitrusGrower]

I did not re-torque the head bolts after running it up to temperature. By re-torque do you mean loosen them slightly and bring them all back to spec, or just check that they're all at 70 to 75 ft/lbs?

The flatness was OK with a straightedge and a feeler gauge last year. I haven't checked this time. I just cleaned the head surface today and haven't cleaned the block yet.

The cylinder sleeves are original. They measured good and I was afraid of a leak if I replaced them. I was going to say they are proud, but now I'm not certain. I'll have to look tomorrow when the block is clean.

 

[Dan S (NY)]

On a new head install I usually just recheck they are up to the torque spec. Same with the manifold nuts. It's amazing how loose they can get after a heat cycle.

Dan

 

[CitrusGrower]

Thanks Dan. I used a coffee can as a temporary gas tank last time, because the 30B gas tank sits on top of the engine. I only ran it a minute or two to prove it ran and adjust the timing.

This time I'll strap the coffee can down and make the tractor do a little work, then check the torque on the head and manifold.