My day just got ruined....

[Bassman/NZ]

Removed the heads on my running 59A to do a valve grind, and found a crack on #6 intake from seat to bore. Strange because it was running OK and not using any coolant. I only decided to do a valve lap and freshen up because I'm going to an o/d trans. Sigh.....

[sturgis 39]

I would offer you some sympathy but I have no clue what an "o/d trans". Is it some kind of road trip? Like over/dare(There)? I think I understand now. You are installing an overdrive transmission. I apologies for being a little slow.

[bobH]

For whatever it's worth... The crack you describe is EXTREMELY common. In my own case, I had my 59 open about 10 years ago - to do a valve job & some other maintenance. Sure enough, mine also has a crack that runs from the #6 intake port, across the deck, and down the cylinder wall (a little). I remember that it concerned me at the time. I have since quit thinking about it, as it has never caused any problems. My engine does not overheat, never needs water/coolant, runs year-in and year-out without having to add water/coolant, doesn't smoke, doesn't use oil, and doesn't have any other bad habits that I know of. In my case, I'm thinking 'what's to fix?'

[Bassman/NZ]

Originally Posted by bobH

For whatever it's worth... The crack you describe is EXTREMELY common. In my own case, I had my 59 open about 10 years ago - to do a valve job & some other maintenance. Sure enough, mine also has a crack that runs from the #6 intake port, across the deck, and down the cylinder wall (a little). I remember that it concerned me at the time. I have since quit thinking about it, as it has never caused any problems. My engine does not overheat, never needs water/coolant, runs year-in and year-out without having to add water/coolant, doesn't smoke, doesn't use oil, and doesn't have any other bad habits that I know of. In my case, I'm thinking 'what's to fix?'

bobH..... I could kiss you! In a purely platonic way of course....

[Jason in TX]

Yeah, if it was running fine, button it back up and drive it till it starts smoking or overheating. Then fix the "problem" that right now isn't exactly a problem.

[31chevy]

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After you get it back together you might try some Bar's leak, just a suggestion.
Gary.

[36tbird]

It must be a "Ford factory designed crack". If it were on the exhaust side, maybe the heat in the immediate area would cause it to open up. But, being on the intake, I wonder if the gas mixture into the area helps keep it cooler. Just brain-storming out loud.

[JWL]

There are many cracked blocks which do not leak or cause problems EXCEPT they often allow the valve seat ring to become loose. Be sure to check that the ring is tight in the counterbore.

[Bassman/NZ]

Thanks for the help and advice guys. And JWL, your book is excellent!

[52merc]

marty put it back together wow you got the book already you will read it though then again n again trev

[Bassman/NZ]

Originally Posted by 52merc

marty put it back together wow you got the book already you will read it though then again n again trev

Hi Trev,
It's out for a trans swap, and while it's out I'm going to lap in the valves, treat it to new rings, and repair the sump (oil pan). I did the old tinfoil balls over the pistons trick, and discovered there's .050" clearance, so the heads have already been milled/ground. That's saved me some $$ !

[49r]

I second checking the valve seat security. I didn't on an 8BA with a crack and 6 months later lost the seat - noisy ... then expensive.

[allen]

If you use bars stop leak do not use the one with the pellets, they make one with a liquid sliver mix works great

[31chevy]

Originally Posted by allen

If you use bars stop leak do not use the one with the pellets, they make one with a liquid sliver mix works great

I agree, I should have said that in my post.
Gary.

[32phil]

Kinda like picking up a rock and finding a snake...... put the rock back quickly and go on with life..... Oh ...... and use the Bars stop leak

[georgewarren]

Ditto on the barsleak; that stuff is amazing!

[Bassman/NZ]

Good advice thank you gentlemen.