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Head bolt difference
Posted: Mon Jan 02, 2023 4:06 am
by Dennis K Anderson
Why did the A model go to an all thread with a nut to secure the head to the block. Can this be applied to a Model T?
Dennis K Anderson
Maryville Tn
Re: Head bolt difference
Posted: Mon Jan 02, 2023 9:18 am
by Norman Kling
It can be done, however, because of the location of the firewall with the back of the engine, it is impossible to remove the head without either pulling the engine, sliding the engine forward, or lifting the firewall and/or body on some models.
I am not sure why Henry did this, but suspect that because the studs would not need to be removed every time the head was removed, it would preserve the threads in the block.
Norm
Re: Head bolt difference
Posted: Mon Jan 02, 2023 10:00 am
by TXGOAT2
The stud and nut arrangement allowed for a coarser thread in the iron block and finer thread for the nuts, which allowed for a more precise torque. It also prevented issues with bolt holes in the block being filled with debris. It probably contributed to fewer worn or damaged block threads. The problem with the stud and nut arrangement is that the studs would often become rusted tight in the head, making it very difficult to get the head off. Ford used the stud and nut arrangement through 1948. Ford V8s in the thirties had aluminum heads. They gave a lot of trouble. I never saw a single junkyard Ford V8 with its aluminum heads still in place. When I was a kid, there were dozens and dozens of late 30s and 40s Fords in good junkyards.