Ford 5000 Head Gasket

ave a 1965 Pre Force 5000 which has has an engine rebuild with new pistons and liners but now i have a head gasket problem. In the engine rebuild because new liners were fitted the block was skimmed and so was the head although i am told by the engine machine shop only 10 thou was removed.

The first head gasket from Sparex(non OEM) leaked coolant at the edge although the engine started and ran sweetly.

Another head gasket was procured from a trader at one of the shows which was of Ford origin as the Ford Finis code was correct when compared to the parts book, the only visual difference was that the diameter of the fire rings that go around the bore were smaller but the thickness was spot on. When laid on the block the rings seemed to clear the bores.

The head was replaced and the engine run up, immediately there was a clattering sound.The engine as stopped and the head pulled off fearing a nut or debris had been ingested.

The only sign of a problem was that when the head was torqued down, the gasket has been compressed, and the fire rings have been hitting the piston edge at TDC.

I have been and bought another head gasket from my Case / New Holland dealer for a Pre Force 5000 at a cost of £68.00 to make sure i have the exact right part but in offering it up it looks like it could happening again.

Has anyone else had any problems like ths? The tractor has original sized pistons as the liners are now back to standard size.

The issue is definately head related as the engine could not be turned over by hand which the head in place but now with the head off all is well.

Any tips gratefully recieved.

Let me start by saying that there can be a LOT of confusion regarding the subject of head gaskets for 5000s.

You say new pistons and liners. I hope you know that liners were not factory installed. Is this now still a 4.2" bore engine (233 CID), or a 4.4" bore engine (256 CID)? If you are using a 4.2" bore head gasket with 4.4" holes, I could see where a problem would exist.

Also, with regards to 4.4" engines, there are two different head gaskets. One is thick, and one is thin. Thick head gaskets are used when there is more than .010" of piston protrusion at TDC. Thin gaskets are used with less than .010" protrusion.

Now, go to the NH parts page and tell me you aren't even more confused. It only differentiates by year. It doesn't even show a gasket for a 1965 model.