JD L head specs

N8 601 · Jan 5, 2017

I have a 1939 john deere L (Hercules engine) that had been getting anti freeze in the oil and exhaust, but was running well otherwise. I pulled the head and replaced the gasket, but now don't know what to torque the head down to. I have a reprint of the manual, but that includes no information about how much to tighten the head bolts. I put my head on today, and torqued it to 42 pounds which I saw posted somewhere else, but it appears to be leaking. According to this website http://www.external_link.com/s-7-john-deere-l.aspx the torque specs on the head should be 104 foot pounds. Any thoughts on what sounds more logical? I don't want to over torque the head and damage something. Prior to putting the head on, I cleaned it, and checked that the head/block were square.

Thanks for the Help

Earl-IL · Jan 5, 2017

Did you check to see if the head is warped or if the surface is smooth,no rusting around water passage or deep scratches to block or head ?

Mike M · Jan 5, 2017

I would check a common bolt torque chart and go by size and thread pitch and stay with grade 5 fasteners and see what that looks like and compare.

J. Schwiebert · Jan 5, 2017

I have not done one of those engines in 40 years, but that is a 2 cylinder version of the 4 cylinder IXB engine which I see more of. Those bolt holes on the IXB go into the water jacket so a little Teflon sealer on the threads helps. Did you clean the bolt holes in the block and clean the head bolts. What did you use to lubricate the head bolts? I also have used some head bolts for an F series Continental 4 cylinder which have a washer as part of the head bolt with good results. Did you torque the head in at least 3 steps and retorque it?

JD L head specs

N8 601

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Earl-IL

Well-known Member

Mike M

Well-known Member

J. Schwiebert

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