head gasket
 

i'm replacing the head gasket on a cub cadet original. everything came apart great, got new head gaskets, new head bolts. thought i was ready to put everything back together. i was reading my owners manual about the torque of the head bolts when i read that they recommend soaking the head gasket in water before assembly. i have never heard of anything like that. has anybody ever done that, if so, what is the purpose behind soaking the head gasket in water? thanks:bigthink:

ok thanks. it just didnt make any sense to me

Did you check your head on piece of glass to see if it was flat? Are you using new head bolts?

i did not know they did that to a head gasket back then. lol! :biggrin2.gif:

i have not put it back together yet, but i have not checked the head yet. i do have new head bolts. would a local machine shop be able so resurface a head, or is there a way i can do it at home? ( maybe like a belt sander?) thanks

Get yourself a flat sheet of glass and some 220 grit wet/dry sandpaper move the head in circles on it until all of the gasket surface has been cleaned up. This will probably give you a flatter surface than most milling machines.

thanks for the tip. i know what i will be doing this weekend.:beerchug:

matt, great tip. had a spare piece of glass, some 220 grit sand paper, water, and a little patience. looks like i just got it back from a machine shop. thanks again for the tip:American Flag 1: