Head install on 170 ford straight 6

[Anonymous]

Just took the head off of my 170 straight 6 and had a valve job done on it. I am fairly new to any engine work, but the head came off easy. Do you have to ajust anything when putting the head back on. If so can someone please walk me through the process. Iwould like to get it right the first time.......Thanks

 

[Anonymous]

Does it have adjustable rocker arms?

 

[addo]

What year is the motor? What type gasket was on there when the head came off? The 170's never been a rocket, so it's worth establishing a few details in order to save you misplacing your efforts. Compression ratio is my concern; we need to make sure it's adequate - the year of motor and gasket type will influence that.

Adam.

 

[Anonymous]

the year of the motor is 1965, not sure what type of gasket it looks to be an aftermarket one, the rockers are adjustable.

 

[Anonymous]

how can u tell if yer rocker arms are adjustable?

 

[xctasy]

how can u tell if yer rocker arms are adjustable?

They have hex lock-nuts on the end of the rocker, where the pushrod pushes. Up intill, um, about 1968 or so on most engines. After that, they went to the industry standard pre-load types which had no lock-nuts.

There were a few main clamping bolts, and the oil feed changed. The oil feed is a sticking point if you get it wrong, there rocker gear can sieze Most early systems from 144-170's fit latter heads, but the bolt sizes on the post 1974 heads are bigger, and the later ones on the bigger logs don't retro fit.

 

[addo]

OK, I was referring to the loss of compression with the aftermarket gaskets due to their increased thickness. Unless the head's been milled to compensate for this, it can create a problem. You might want to consider measuring your CC's. A little extra compression seldom hurts on these old motors. Since the head is from 1965, there won't be any problems with oversized combustion chambers like on some later units.

Regards, Adam.