head gasket leaking water

5 Forward · Aug 31, 2020

I have a 640 I have been working on. I noticed after running it, a small seepage under the head at the #3 cylinder. There is no water in the oil and
seems no excessive pressure in the radiator. It runs and idles well. My question, would retorqueing the head might stop it or would it better replace
the head gasket. It seems to stop after it reaches operating temperature.

Bern · Aug 31, 2020

Retorquing would depend on how crusty the head bolt holes are. If they are really nasty, then retorquing won't do any good. If they're nice and clean, then by all means I would try retorquing them, one at a time. I would loosen each one a quarter turn and then torque to spec. You should be able to get a good feel for how clean the holes are when you go to loosen them.

5 Forward · Aug 31, 2020

The valve lifters and all are very clean I suspect the internals are pretty clean as well. The old tractor has done more sitting than anything. I did flush the coolant and replaced the antifreeze probably why it started leaking. I think I will try retorquing before pulling the head and replacing the gasket.

Bern · Aug 31, 2020

The other thing you might do is make a mark on the head of the bolts before you loosen them to indicate whether or not you made forward or backwards progress after you torque them. If the first few all move forward, then keep on going.

head gasket leaking water

5 Forward

Member

Bern

Well-known Member

5 Forward

Member

Bern

Well-known Member

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