560 Gas Head Gasket

JRSutton · Jan 11, 2016

New-to-me-560's head gasket failed. Engine had recently been rebuilt, and it was fine when I bought it - but now leaking between cylinders 2&3 and 4&5.

I checked the head, it's perfectly flat.

Sleeve protrusions are all well under the .006 spec from the manual.

Block's flat.

So I'm not sure exactly why it failed. The gasket that was on there has no markings at all. silver on the bottom copper on top.

I've tried researching a bit for a gasket recommendation, but can't find anything definitive - some say to stay away from felpro - others say no problem.

Either way - I've yet to see a manufacturer's name on any gasket listed for sale on line, so I wouldn't even know what to go for a specific brand if I knew what I
wanted.

Figured I'd like to throw it out there to the group for opinions.

Any known good gasket manufacturers - and/or a good source to purchase from?

Seems these tractors are known for head gasket trouble, so I want to try to do everything just right here.

Thanks

cornerpost · Jan 11, 2016

You do not know if they put it together with clean bolts and right torque values. If all is flat all you can do is try again and do it up right.

JAsher452x · Jan 11, 2016

my two cents on this, it seems to me that the way the gasket failed i would contribute to improper torquing of the cylinder head. almost like they missed two sets when re-torquing the head. As for Fel-pro gaskets i personally have never had an issue with them. For me it is all about surface prep. Some guys paint the gaskets with aluminum paint or copper coat. i clean the mating areas with alcohol or acetone, then assemble. Torque the head in steps, then re-torquing again when the engine is hot.

the tractor vet · Jan 11, 2016

You probably have a Victor gskt. . Did they have any copper coat on it or not?? I would get myself a 1/2 13 bottoming tap and chase the head bolt holes in the block , then run a die over the bolts and look them over real close for any signs of stretching at the thread base. Install a new head gskt of YOUR choice i prefer the Victor ,. then torque it down in three steps (40)- (75)- then (95) You can go to 110 . Then once you have run it to the final set go back over it again and i think you will find that the center ones are a tad loose when you re check . Set your valves paying close attention to ware of the rocker arm and keep your feeler gauge in the ware area , here i use a small points feeler gauge so i do not get bridgeing and get a wrong set. Once you get it up and running let her warm up to operating temp and do the retorque and reset valves once again. and also double check the center head bolts a couple times .

JRSutton · Jan 12, 2016

Yeah I'm assuming the problem was caused by improper torqueing and/or re-torqueing.

There was no sealer on the head gasket either. I plan to use copper spray.

I usually don't over-think putting a head back on an engine, but I've heard a lot about people having trouble with the 560 heads in particular.

Although a lot of that may be about the diesel which I know had it's own problems, sometimes it's hard to know which one people are referring to.

So, I'll do it all right, I just wanted to be sure there's not a particular gasket to stay away from. (I've read some opinions out there, but I also realize a lot of times gaskets get blamed for warped heads or bad practices).

On the valve lash - I like that idea of using the wire to measure. Although on this one it looks like new valves, or they were at least ground flat. No wear. But the wire still makes a lot of sense - I think I'll do it that way from now on. Thanks.

JRSutton · Jan 12, 2016

I'll go with your recommendation on the Victor, but could you tell me where I can find one?

Most places I buy parts don't list the manufacturer of the gaskets.

I looked on the Victor site to see if I could get it direct, but it's making my head spin.

thanks for your help

dvtw79 · Jan 12, 2016

I can't remember the mfg of the head gasket used on my 560. I didn't do anything on mine other than clean both surfaces and checked the head for flatness. I reassembled and torqued per the service manual. When I first started it, it bubbled slightly in a couple of spots, but after running it and getting it good and hot, it sealed up. I've not had any problems since then (10 years ago).

JRSutton · Jan 12, 2016

given the number of these things still in use out there, I'm sure the situation isn't all that bad.

But seemed there was an unusually large number of people complaining of multiple gasket failures on 560s - like having to change them out 3 or 4 times, or yearly.

I don't want to be messing with it during hay season.

We'll see what happens.

rustred · Jan 14, 2016

i just noticed you saying the gasket is silver on btm, copper on top. so now i am thinking its the gaskets fault. it appears like you have one of those old gaskets that has asbestos sandwiched between the two metal layers. this would mean you need a good sealer and proper torque also. i definitly would not be scared of the felpro gasket. afterall if they work on diesel this is just a gas tractor and i am sure they are plenty good for this. the old 15-30's and 10-20's had gaskets like that and all that was required was a film of grease spread on both sides. if put on dry they liked to leak. i am sure the previous guy did not follow procedures too closly. as you say he did not even do a retorque.

Jason S. · Jan 15, 2016

(quoted from post at 14:14:41 01/12/16) I'll go with your recommendation on the Victor, but could you tell me where I can find one?

Most places I buy parts don't list the manufacturer of the gaskets.

I looked on the Victor site to see if I could get it direct, but it's making my head spin.

thanks for your help

If it is the C-263 engine rockauto has the 3153 Victor gasket for $28.99 and the Fel Pro 7799CS for $20.99. Looking at the two my choice would be the Victor. Hope this helps.

560 Gas Head Gasket

JRSutton

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cornerpost

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JAsher452x

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the tractor vet

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JRSutton

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JRSutton

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dvtw79

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JRSutton

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rustred

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Jason S.

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