Head Bolts on JD 3020

Ken Windom · Jul 11, 2017

Am helping a friend replace wet sleeves on her JD 3020 gas engine. Wondering if it is OK to reuse the head bolts or purchase new ones. What do you look for to determine if a head bolt is stretched or too worn to reuse?

buickanddeere · Jul 11, 2017

Any sign of thread rise or pullout on the block is a sure indication. Sometimes the block rises at and around the threads which concentrates the squeeze from torquing there instead of the area between the bolts .
Torque to 20lb ft and mark the position. Continue torquing in steps to spec. Did any bolt turn more or less than the majority ?

tomstractorsandtoys · Jul 11, 2017

I am getting to the point where we always replace the head bolts. Most of these old tractors have been overhauled more than once and I hate oil leaks. The bonus is that with the new torque to yeild head bolts you do not need to re torque the head gaskets any more. I will say that as a gaser with lower compression than a diesel it might not be as big of a deal to reuse them. Tom

Ken Windom · Jul 11, 2017

Thanks. I know this engine has been overhauled at least once because it has M&W pistons (which need to be replaced along with the sleeves). I understand the philosophy of replacing head bolts as a matter of practice, but they aren't cheap, and I am trying to save my friend as much money as possible on this rebuild. Then again, there is false economy if something is used that should be replaced, hence my original question.

Ken Windom · Jul 11, 2017

Thanks, I will try that.

Head Bolts on JD 3020

Ken Windom

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buickanddeere

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tomstractorsandtoys

Well-known Member

Ken Windom

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Ken Windom

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