Ford 860 Head Gasket Replacement

TGBTG7701 · Sep 29, 2019

I am replacing my head gasket on my 172 gas engine. When I pulled the head I noticed some pitting around the sleeve and block on #2 and #3, #2 being the worse and coming extremely close to the sealing area on the head gasket. Has anyone seen this before? Do you think it will cause an issue with sealing? Do I need to use sealant on the head gasket (new style- not steel) to insure it seals ( like aviation sealer or copper coat)? I am not set up to pull the engine, and rebuild it, I know a machine shop could deck the block and get the pitting out.

The head is going to the machine shop, it will be flat and ready to go, but I am worried about the block. What do you think?

Royse · Sep 29, 2019

Hard to say without knowing how bad it is. Can you post a picture?
I've had quite a few with some pitting that sealed fine.
I normally use copper coat unless the gasket kit says not to.

el6147 · Sep 29, 2019

you can deck the block your self without removing the engine, sleeves or pistons and it
should be done ,

I helped out another YT poster do the procedure just recently , if you email me I can
explain the how's and why's with photos.

Threewilsons · Sep 29, 2019

If you have a good straight edge you can see if there is a low area between 2&3. Blowing a head gasket between 2&3 is not uncommon on gas 172 engines. If you see a gap below the straight edge, try to measure it with a gauge. I would do something if it exceeded 2 thousandths.

I very recently repaired (had the block decked) my gas 172 for blowing gasket between 2&3. Measuring across the block, it was between 3 and 4 thousandths low.

I don t know why you couldn t use the copper. Also I ve heard of trying this up using a flat file but I haven t done that. You might consider torquing head bolts to diesel spec - if your 172 has 1/2 inch headbolts. Good luck, -Joel

TGBTG7701 · Sep 29, 2019

Thank you for the replies, I appreciate the help. I am going place the new gasket on the block and trace around the sealing area, see how close it is. I had a really nice shop to work in before hurricane Michael, but lost it along with all my tools. It makes it just about impossible to pull the motor. I am trying to get my tractor going so I can use it to clear and grade my property I purchase after the hurricane.

showcrop · Sep 30, 2019

(quoted from post at 19:07:29 09/29/19)

Thank you for the replies, I appreciate the help. I am going place the new gasket on the block and trace around the sealing area, see how close it is. I had a really nice shop to work in before hurricane Michael, but lost it along with all my tools. It makes it just about impossible to pull the motor. I am trying to get my tractor going so I can use it to clear and grade my property I purchase after the hurricane.

It sounds like you plan to measure under the gasket. This won't work. Use a steel ruler as from a carpenter's combination square, sitting on edge. Use feelr gauges under it.

Ford 860 Head Gasket Replacement

TGBTG7701

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Royse

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el6147

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Threewilsons

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TGBTG7701

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showcrop

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