Re: [Amc-list] WTB: 1964 196 ci OHV iron head in Michigan

[Wrambler242@xxxxxxxxxxx]

Frank,
  You are correct, the aluminum engines got hydraulic valve train.

--
Mark Price
Morgantown, WV
1969 AMC Rambler, 4.0L, EFI, T-5

 -------------- Original message ----------------------
From: "Swygert, Francis G MSgt 436 CES/CECM" <Francis.Swygert3@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Spro, the only thing helpful I can tell you is that the OHV cylinder
> head didn't change from 1956-65. At least I can't find any differences.
> The aluminum block head is slightly different, but a standard iron head
> can be modified to fit. Basically a 1/4" thick strip needs to be welded
> or screwed and epoxied on the right side of the head then have it milled
> flat. The AL block is slightly wider and needs the room to seal the
> right edge. AL block heads are still iron, no AL heads were sold to the
> public, and can be used on an iron block. You'll have to use the rocker
> arm/shaft assembly from the iron block head though -- I don't think the
> AL head rockers have adjusters on the end -- it's been a long time since
> I saw one though, so I'm not positive. You do have to keep the solid
> lifters though, the AL block hydraulic lifters won't work in the iron
> block. 
> 
> The most likely reason for a cracked head on a 196 is not re-torquing
> the head every other year/15-20K miles. It HAS to be done to prevent
> blowing the head gasket, period. The TSMs state once a year or every
> 12K, I believe, but from 14 years driving one as a daily driver and
> averaging 6K (4-8K) a year, I can tell you that every other year/15K is
> enough. It needs to be done every other year even if only a few miles
> are put on it during that time. A show only car MIGHT get by with every
> 4-5 years, but I wouldn't try it -- to easy to forget. Running hot after
> blowing the head gasket is the direct reason for the cracked heads --
> running hot every 4-5 years and replacing head gaskets for the last 40
> years takes a toll! I think the slightly harder material (higher nickel
> content -- it's less than 1% over gray cast iron, but it doesn't take
> much to affect the metal properties) is detrimental in this case -- the
> overheating and age make it a bit more brittle over 30-40 years than a
> slightly softer material would be, though I don't know how much. 
> 
> When you get another head, the first thing to do is have it checked
> (magnafluxed) for cracks. Then check for level. They can be cut a good
> bit, and usually aren't more than 0.020" off. 
> 
> If by odd chance this is a flathead head, all 195.6 heads from 50-65
> interchange. The kicker is the combustion chambers are different sizes
> for the smaller ones (172.6 and 184). I'd limit the search to 54-65
> 195.6 engines. There were some 2V and dual 1V carb heads made in the mid
> 50s, but only for a couple years (53-55 era, used in the Statesman only
> -- hard to find now!). 
> 
> -------------------
> Date: Monday, March 19, 2007 11:46 PM
> From: Mark Anthony Sproviero <msproviero@xxxxxxxxxxx>
> 
> It would seem that the wife of one of my wheeling friends up in Vassar,
> MI has a Rambler in need of a cylinder head.  Anybody have any leads?
> 
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