lds4651a "TD" thick deck or not?

[63ragtop]

i have a 1966 m54a2 with a rebuild tag on the engine from 1981. i am doing the head gaskets with the upgraded integral fire ring gaskets, and i am trying to figure out if i have the "TD" mark on the block or not, so i know to torque the head bolts to 130ft/lbs or to 157ft/lbs according to the TM. i will try to get pictures of my block to show why i ask this question, but here it is in the best words i can think of (which isn't much lol).

the engine ID tag has extra holes like it has been on a different block before. the tag also seems to be in the exact location that the TM says to look for the "TD" identification casting. there is another casting behind where the turbo would be that is close to saying "TD", or ID, or IO, i can't quite tell. i am tempted to remove the engine ID plate to see if there is some markings behind it?

anyways, has anyone seen this before? i know the military does some weird stuff on these trucks, like mixing ldt and lds parts. i just want to know is there any other way to tell if it is a thick deck block or not? i don't want to remove the engine ID tag if there is another way.

can i measure the head studs? measure the depth of the thread pockets? i do have one of the studs that came out during the head removal.

i will admit i am not very good in searching this forum for this information (sorry,i have tried), any help appreciative, thanks!

 

[doghead]

My memory says the TD is near the front of the block, just under the head surface. Like, under the thermostat area.

Look at picture #9 in this thread. You can see it clearly and get a good reference where it is.

https://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?172508-Help-Identify-M35a2-Motor

 

[63ragtop]

I found this picture. Looking like I don't have a thick deck, unless they put the mark in different places?

This TM seams to indicate that it is in another location.

 

[63ragtop]

Pretty obvious from the picture on that post that I don't have the mark. This is my engine

 

[doghead]

I agree.

 

[63ragtop]

One more question for you doghead is:
I will torque it in 4 steps to 130ft/lbs, and since I have the upgraded head gaskets, do I retorque after a few hours, or is it not required like I have read here on other posts for the better gaskets? My gaskets did not come with any torque specs or procedures.

 

[doghead]

I don't think you will need to re-torque them.

Maybe other will have advice as well.

 

[63ragtop]

I have built a lot of gasoline turbo & N/A high compression engines, and I have retorqued many times. It doesn't hurt to retorque on my past experiences, but I read somewhere on here that it may even be not good to retorque. I would naturally default to "it doesn't hurt to retorque" even retorque every valve adjustment. If I am wrong, please let me know! This is my first diesel type engine.

 

[doghead]

My personal opinion is, the new style gasket does not need to be re-torqued.

Combined with the fact you do not have a thick deck bloc, I recommend you do not re-torque.

 

[63ragtop]

I will heed that advice. Thanks again!

 

[WillWagner]

The modern style head gaskets do not need to be re torqued.