Ford 841 with water in oil

Ken in IN · Jun 29, 2015

OK, I have removed the head from my neighbors 1959 Ford 841 tractor and found the head gasket blown between the second and third cylinders. Upon looking the block surface over I see a difference in color and surface texture in that same place. I put a straight edge over it and it did not seem to be a big low spot but it is definitely noticeable. I found it rather baffling that this is where the head gasket is blown as well. Like I said in my previous post I am NOT even close to being a mechanic and far from anything but a parts changer. I'm wondering what you folks with the experience in these old Ford's think. I sure do NOT want to put all the work into removing the entire engine from the tractor as that is a job much greater than I anticipated when I volunteered to help him out but removing the head so he could sell the tractor.
<image src="http://forums.yesterdaystractors.com/photos/mvphoto23511.jpg"/>

velonaut · Jun 29, 2015

If the block is flat possibly the head is not and may be warped.

ErnieD · Jun 30, 2015

Use a feeler gauge or shim stock to determine the depth of wallow and check to
see if it is within manufacturer specification. As the other poster said, also
check the head. Block and head may have to be resurfaced. Normally this pair
seals up pretty good.

Mongos 430G · Jun 30, 2015

(quoted from post at 13:20:45 06/29/15) OK, I have removed the head from my neighbors 1959 Ford 841 tractor and found the head gasket blown between the second and third cylinders. Upon looking the block surface over I see a difference in color and surface texture in that same place. I put a straight edge over it and it did not seem to be a big low spot but it is definitely noticeable. I found it rather baffling that this is where the head gasket is blown as well. Like I said in my previous post I am NOT even close to being a mechanic and far from anything but a parts changer. I'm wondering what you folks with the experience in these old Ford's think. I sure do NOT want to put all the work into removing the entire engine from the tractor as that is a job much greater than I anticipated when I volunteered to help him out but removing the head so he could sell the tractor.
<image src="http://forums.yesterdaystractors.com/photos/mvphoto23511.jpg"/>

Im no expert but have a 961 with a 172 gas that had a bad head gasket
i found that the PO had used a head-gasket for 1/2" headbolts and mine needed 7/16 head-gasket bolt size. it blew between #2&3 also. you may want to check the head bolt size to head gasket hole size.

showcrop · Jun 30, 2015

When I bought a 960, it had a bad head gasket. I replaced it getting the head surfaced as well. I had only about ten hours on it when it blew again. I could see a little maybe 3/8 section of the space between two bores where it was rough and seemed very slightly depressed. I took the block to a machine shop and they found a number of other problems along with that eroded area. it has been running well for about fifteen years now.

Ford 841 with water in oil

Ken in IN

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velonaut

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ErnieD

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Mongos 430G

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showcrop

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