Head Bolts

goxu1

goxu1

Well-known member
Has anyone used TM's head bolts ? Just curious to know if they are any good or not ?
Anyone else sell them the correct lengths ready to go ?
 
I installed new head bolts from TM Tractor Parts in 2009, after an engine rebuild, and they are still on the tractor. No leaks and have never had to remove the head. I used non-hardening thread sealer on all bolts so the torque would be uniform on all bolts. Don’t know if another supplier sells correct length bolts.
 
If you are looking for other options (due to your location) you could purchase standard length Gr. 9 bolts (actually cap screws) and cut them to length, but you should use a nut installed on the bolt to protect the threads. Don’t forget to coat the threads with a non-hardening PTFE thread sealer. I have also read that others have used hardened steel washers under head bolts to get the proper overall length.
 
Careful, with that massive 6.75:1 compression, and all those rpms! Might need grade 13! :)

Watch out for cheap Chinese ones!

Best ask!

I'd reuse my good old ones before contaminating my tractor with Chinese head bolts!
 
The head bolt on TM are a grade 8 which should be more than fine. I used the McMastercar grade 9 myself and cut them down.

For me the bigger worry is snapping them putting them in than failure in the field. Remember the grading system was not invented until the 60s I think. I have read here that the dot and IH bolts on the tractors would be just less than a grade 5 if tested to the current standards for bolts.
 
The torque spec for the Cub exceeds the rated torque capacity of grade 8 bolts making the grade 9 appealing. I’ve never had an issue, using grade 8 but there is certainly a higher level of comfort with grade 9. I’ve ground them to length (it isn’t very much) and I’ve also used hardened washers. Either way works fine. I think you’ll find that anyone who offers the set is offering grade 8
 
I would think...unless they were scrapped that there should literally be bins full of NOS IH bolts laying around somewhere. Maybe not, maybe they worked through them all since they stopped making them. I would think there would of been literal container fulls of them at various plants.
 
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