Head gasket on M14

[Dennis C. 142]

I picked up a WH314H that i am currently servicing. After adjusting the tappets, I noticed that the spark plug threads had stripped and were repaired at some point.

Unfortunately when I removed the plug the insert came out with the plug. Hopefully i can install a new insert and save the head since new ones are no

longer available. Once I install the new head gasket and  torque the head on do I have to check the head bolt torque again after so many hours?

This head appears  not to have torqued correctly. Thanks for the help!!

Edited August 29, 2021 by Dennis C.

[pfrederi 17,741]

When you put on the new helicoil make sure you coat the threads with high temp RTV as described in the directions.  Since it isn't included in the kits many  people skip that step... and as you have seen that can be an issue. 

You should re torque the head bolts after the  engine has run about 15 minutes, shut down and allowed to cool.

[squonk 41,154]

They make a plug insert kit that stakes the insert into the head so it doesn't come back out.

 

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/BK_98141?r-src=SSE:PDP&ppid=SER_2125&ir=1&tps=5

 

Edited August 28, 2021 by squonk

[Dennis C. 142]

20 hours ago, pfrederi said:

When you put on the new helicoil make sure you coat the threads with high temp RTV as described in the directions.  Since it isn't included in the kits many  people skip that step... and as you have seen that can be an issue. 

You should re torque the head bolts after the  engine has run about 15 minutes, shut down and allowed to cool.

Thanks, I saw a video on that as well.

[Dennis C. 142]

19 hours ago, squonk said:

They make a plug insert kit that stakes the insert into the head so it doesn't come back out.

 

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/BK_98141?r-src=SSE:PDP&ppid=SER_2125&ir=1&tps=5

 

That's exactly the kit I bought from AutoZone. Upon inspecting the engine some more this morning, the previous owner or mechanic really did a butcher job on the repairs. When I removed the head today there were small divots in the piston and head, it also appears a new exhaust valve was installed. They installed a new valve but never de-carboned the engine, valves were set at .040  and the cylinder walls have deep scoring. Such a shame, the engine has only 540hrs and the tractor looks like it is only a couple of months old. All the original decals are still on. I have set the tappets to the manual and ordered a new head gasket. My hopes are to get the engine running enough to finish the mowing season then remove the engine to have a rebuild. This tractor has another 30 years in her.

[squonk 41,154]

Someone probably has a good used head. Check with A-Z Tractor.

[Dennis C. 142]

1 minute ago, squonk said:

Someone probably has a good used head. Check with A-Z Tractor.

A-1 Miller Performance in MO. can repair the head. He is a Kohler engine specialist and also build pulling engines.

[squonk 41,154]

31 minutes ago, Dennis C. said:

A-1 Miller Performance in MO. can repair the head. He is a Kohler engine specialist and also build pulling engines.

Good luck getting it back in a timely manner! 

[tunahead72 2,424]

12 hours ago, squonk said:

Good luck getting it back in a timely manner! 

 

@Dennis C.  Mike is serious about this advice, you should check this out before you send anything to Miller's

0. Not recommended suppliers - RedSquare Links - RedSquare Wheel Horse Forum

 

[Dennis C. 142]

9 hours ago, tunahead72 said:

 

@Dennis C.  Mike is serious about this advice, you should check this out before you send anything to Miller's

0. Not recommended suppliers - RedSquare Links - RedSquare Wheel Horse Forum

 

Thanks, I remove him from my list.

[Dennis C. 142]

I located a good used head and installed this weekend. Engine started and ran fine but still noisy. Upon further investigation while

running I noticed an oil leak. The idiot that tinkered with the engine never set the camshaft pin into the block and the hole is enlarged and the pin no longer in the boss .

Pin is skewed in the block to boot. Now what??????????

[pfrederi 17,741]

I had a camshaft pin that would not set tight in the block  Something in its past had slightly enlarged the hole in the block.  I used a hardened punch to put some dimples in the end of the pin added some locktite and drove it in.  still working OK...

Edited September 16, 2021 by pfrederi