Replacing Head Gasket QUESTIONS???

I am going to replace the head gasket on my '41 JD-A and I have some questions:

Is there anyway to pull the pushrods without removing the radiator?

What is the tightening sequence of the head nuts?

I noticed some lead between the head nuts and the head itself. Do I have to replace this to seal the water jacket? Is that what they are for?

How much do I torque the head nuts when I reassemble?

Thanks for your advise!!!

Jon Z.

I am going to replace the head gasket on my '41 JD-A and I have some questions:

Is there anyway to pull the pushrods without removing the radiator?
NOT TOO FAMILIAR WITH THE "A" SO I'M NOT SURE.

What is the tightening sequence of the head nuts?
I DON'T HAVE A PATTERN BUT IT'S PRETTY SAFE TO START AT THE CENTRE AND WORK YOUR WAY AROUND AND OUT.

I noticed some lead between the head nuts and the head itself. Do I have to replace this to seal the water jacket? Is that what they are for?
YES, THE LEAD WASHERS SEAL THE NUT TO THE HEAD CASTING. SOME FOLKS USE TWO LEAD WASHERS UNDER EACH NUT. WHEN YOU TORQUE THEM, SOME LEAD SQUEEZES OUT AROUND THE NUT. I CUT THAT EXCESS LEAD OFF SO THAT PIECES WON'T FALL INTO THE OIL.

How much do I torque the head nuts when I reassemble?
THE I&T MANUAL (JD-4) SHOWS 125 FT-LBS FOR "A"s WITH SERIAL NUMBERS 499,000 AND UP.
THIS IS NOT AN OFFICIAL JOHN DEERE PUBLICATION BUT IT IS MUCH BETTER THAN NOTHING.

GOOD LUCK,
JON

Jon Z.