70 diesel head

mkuhns

Member
I have the head off my 70 diesel because of pressure in rad. I pressurized both cylinders and #1 left air into the radiator. Anyhow the head gasket was leaking compression only and the head is grooved and will need resurfaced. Can the injector tubes also allow compression into the cooling system or is the chance of it uncommon? I see no cracks in the head, although I will have it magnafluxed. Since these heads were known for cracking, is there a particular area prone to it. How important is the valve recession? I see none listed in the JD manual I have. The one exhaust valve is pitted but will probably clean up with a good margin yet. Also two different manuals have two different torque specs for the head. One says 205 ft/lbs and the other says 275 ft/lbs. Which is correct? Thanks for you help.
 
What's the part # on the head (1958, 3211 or 3511)? The first two have injector tube sleeves. The 3511 head has no injector tubes and bigger valves. If you have one of the early heads you should consider finding a 3511 head.
 
The head is a 1958 which I assume is original to the tractor. I don't use the tractor much except for 1 plow day a year, a few shows, and parades. If the head is usable, would I gain a whole lot by updating heads? What is a reasonable price for a 3511 head?
 
The 1958 heads were prone to crack, that's why you see so many 70 diesels with the 3511 head. At some point in their life the original head was replaced and upgraded to the 3511 head. In this area a used 3511 head sells for $350- $400. Cost to plane the head, grind valves and replace exhaust valve guides runs about $280 (just had one done). You'll see slightly better performance with the larger valves, plus the possibility you won't have leaking injector tube seals or cracking in the future.
 
Not to hijack your post but yall seem pretty knowledgeable on the 70 D. I just got one and replaced the coils and wires. I dont know if they had been messed with before, but I am trying to find how to tell what the cylinder numbers are. I know the firing order is 1-2-3-4, but which cylinder is no 1,2 3, and 4. also the coils were connected sort of crosswise with the left coil connected to the right condenser and points and vice-versa, is this correct? Thanks
 

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