1914 with low compression now running

E

Ed in Maine

Well-known member
I want to thank you guys for all your input on solving the starting problems with my 1914 T. It definitely was a compression problem because it started promptly today after lapping the valves and installing a new head gasket. I can feel the difference in the crank also.

I wish I could say I was happy with how it all turned out. Someone on the forum mentioned that there would be a terrible surprise if I tried to get 50 ft-lbs on all the head bolts and he was correct. I have two head bolts that have that soft feeling with the torque wrench and I have left them alone at 25 and 35 ft-lbs. I have used a good coating of Permatex Head Gasket Sealer and for the moment, the head gasket is holding together. When I first put the head on and started torquing I found #1 to be no good. I stopped assembly and installed a Helicoil and this worked out very good. But then on re-assembly, I found there were other bolts that were no too good. To be safe, I took the other holes up to only 45 ft-lbs.

I hope it will hold together for a little fun this summer and over the winter I will get another head gasket and install Helicoils through out. I'm sure many of the other holes would not get to 50 ft-lbs.

What a wonderful sound to hear that engine start and run reliably. Just hope is stays that way. Ed
 
You know, I was afraid to ask but I've got to know: ED, did you clean out the head bolt holes then blow them out with compressed air? What you're describing is the classic out come of not doing that. The bolts bottom out on the crud and take out the threads. I'm not expert but I've done 4 heads was told to do this on the first one and have done it 3 times since. I've never pulled out threads and have always gone to 55 Lbs. torque. Run them & re-torqued to 55 again. I don't know how the stuff gets in there but it's amazing what comes out.
 
I agree. Usually a head bolt issue is due to crap in the bottom of the hole that prevents the head bolt from getting where it needs to be.
 
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