JD H Head bolt Lead Washers

Mark460

New User
I'm new to these engines. What is the purpose of the old lead washers under the nuts for the head? Sealing? Thanks
 
Oh ok, that makes more sense. On other engines in general when studs tap into a water jacket a thread sealer is used to prevent coolant leakage. In this case, what I think is the original designers probably used the lead washers as a "lubricant" to smooth out the torquing of the head nuts. Does this make sense? Seems like copper washers, or good quality smooth steel washers would work with oil or bolt torque lube.
 
Oh boy! The lead washer question.


For the ?H?, there are seven head studs. One is larger and hollow and acts as the oil passage for the rocker arms. A look at all of Deere?s service literature for the ?H? reveals the following: DIR 214 (the first one) identifies the washers but neglects to mention quantities used. DIR 248 (Dec 1940) and DIR 276 (Jun 1943) both state that one (large) and six (smaller) washers are used, and the instructions in those Instruction and Parts Manuals state: ?When replacing cylinder head, use lead washers under nuts?.?. Both old Repair Catalogs (54-R and 59-R) also call for one (large) and six (smaller) lead washers. And the I & T manual also says ??use new lead washers under the nuts?.


But when we advance to today?s parts catalog (PC 304), we find the call out is for one large and only two small washers. This is indicated in the parts listing as well as in the gasket set call out in PC 304. And since there are two small studs and one large stud under the tappet lever cover (the other five studs are exposed to the outside) it appears that the latest intent is to use the lead washers only under the nuts that are exposed to oil ? which doesn?t make much sense to me. And it?s certainly unclear why there would be a change in factory thinking about where/why they are to be used.


Over the years, I have heard many opinions about the purpose of those washers. Some swear they are essential for sealing and claim they do seal both water and oil. Others say they are strictly for anti-galling reasons. And some say it is for both purposes. Personally, I tend to lean toward the anti-galling reason, but I can?t explain the reason for reducing the quantity needed. However, this was done well after the production years of the ?H? and perhaps the parts people along with a new group of design engineers decided it really wasn?t necessary to have washers under nuts that weren?t exposed to fluids.


This may be one of those mysteries for which factual answers may never be found?.
 
I side with the "anti-gaulding"...Back in that time period hardware was soft, so a soft nut would tend to guald and give a false torque reading because of more "drag" on the nut to surface area, Lead was used more commonly back then so it was the easy solution to this issue. Modern day hardware is "much" better, so now a hard flat washer is used instead of the lead. I have been using hard washers on my 60's with good results. And Like Dan stated it will all depend on which coffee shop you are discussing this...
 
Hi Mark, To quote Dan--Oh boy, the lead washer question again. They are used as lube/anti galling items, not seals. If you have water and/or oil show up at the head nuts you have other problems as in cracks, warping, etc.--- Good luck with your project. VH
 

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Back
Top