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“New” Ricardo head - head bolt length??
Posted: Sat Jun 08, 2019 10:38 pm
by AdminJeff
Went to pu on my “new” Ricardo High compression head and my head bolts for my low head are too short. Looks like I need 3.5” bolts. Can anyone confirm this? Or at least tell me how deep the threads are from the top of the deck to the bottom of the threads. Looks like about 3/4” to me but I’m not sure.
AdminJeff
Re: “New” Ricardo head - head bolt length??
Posted: Sat Jun 08, 2019 10:54 pm
by Dropacent
They use high head bolts. As with any head install, you should clean out the threaded holes with a bottoming tap, and double check the length in case the head has been milled before you got it.
Re: “New” Ricardo head - head bolt length??
Posted: Sat Jun 08, 2019 11:28 pm
by Nv Bob
Had to cross this same bridge use high head bolts
Re: “New” Ricardo head - head bolt length??
Posted: Sun Jun 09, 2019 4:20 am
by Wayne Sheldon
3/4 inch sounds right, I just did my '15. Scrape, clean, chase threads, then blow out the hole. Whether you use an air compressor or your lungs? DO NOT look down the bolt hole when you blow it out! I often use my lungs. I use a soft piece of clear plastic tubing about a foot and a half long to offset my face when I blow. One time, in a pinch, I tried a soda straw. Too bad someone didn't have a camera!
Re: “New” Ricardo head - head bolt length??
Posted: Sun Jun 09, 2019 11:19 am
by AdminJeff
Dropacent wrote: ↑Sat Jun 08, 2019 10:54 pm
They use high head bolts. As with any head install, you should clean out the threaded holes with a bottoming tap, and double check the length in case the head has been milled before you got it.
That’s great, but What are the specs? Are they 3.5” x ? Thread pitch (that I could get from mine)? Grade 5 or 8? I’m headed to my local specialty hardware store, Reliable Hardware, tomorrow - I buy local whenever possible to keep these fantastic sources in business.
Anyone have some they could measure?
AdminJeff
Re: “New” Ricardo head - head bolt length??
Posted: Sun Jun 09, 2019 11:46 am
by RajoRacer
Ford spec. head "cap screw" - 7/16 - 14 - low head are 2 & 9/16" in length & high head is 3 & 1/4" in length.
Re: “New” Ricardo head - head bolt length??
Posted: Sun Jun 09, 2019 11:47 am
by RajoRacer
Grade 5 is sufficient.
Re: “New” Ricardo head - head bolt length??
Posted: Sun Jun 09, 2019 5:11 pm
by AdminJeff
RajoRacer wrote: ↑Sun Jun 09, 2019 11:46 am
Ford spec. head "cap screw" - 7/16 - 14 - low head are 2 & 9/16" in length & high head is 3 & 1/4" in length.
The final word! Thanks Steve!
Jeff
Re: “New” Ricardo head - head bolt length??
Posted: Sun Jun 09, 2019 5:53 pm
by Wayne Sheldon
You can buy proper head bolts at many good auto parts stores. Standard bolts have a shank that is basically 7/16 from head to thread. Head bolts have a wide area for about a half inch under the head to center the head and bolt, with a narrower area from there to the thread. Standard bolts have a greater tendency to seize due to rust, water leakage or ingress, or other reasons. My dad had a number of Chevrolet modern (relatively speaking) cars, and I have used quite a few leftover Chevrolet head bolts on Ts over the years with only minor modifications. And yes, I grind the modern circle off the top of the bolt head. They vary quite a bit on sizes and lengths across many models, unfortunately, I do not know which models work best. But a good auto supply should be able to match what you need.
A few years ago, I had to junk a Chrysler Jeep Grand Cherokee. I also salvaged some bolts from that that closely resemble original T bolts.
Steve T is one of the best!
Re: “New” Ricardo head - head bolt length??
Posted: Sun Jun 09, 2019 7:29 pm
by Les Schubert
If in doubt, assemble the head to the block WITHOUT the gasket and spin the bolts down till they are “snug” against the head. If you can accomplish this with minimum effort then you know the threaded holes are deep enough to allow good torquing when the gasket is installed