Model B engine steam holes ...

[40Pickup]

Hope you guys can help me find out.

What purpose had Ford when they introduced the steam holes in the Model B engine?

I have several model B cylinder head where the steam holes are blocked.
Could it have been to be able to also use the model A gasket that was perhaps more readily available here in Sweden, and also be able to use the B head on the Model A engine?

Thank you in advance,
Jorgen

[J Franklin]

An A gasket would also seal the holes so I doubt that is a plausible reason to plug them.

[hardtimes]

Originally Posted by 40Pickup

Hope you guys can help me find out.

What purpose had Ford when they introduced the steam holes in the Model B engine?

I have several model B cylinder head where the steam holes are blocked.
Could it have been to be able to also use the model A gasket that was perhaps more readily available here in Sweden, and also be able to use the B head on the Model A engine?

Thank you in advance,
Jorgen

Hey Jorgen,
Yeah these holes are blocked in the B block so that the A gasket can be used, also after market made heads were not made with these 'steam' holes. If using the B gasket with holes and , say an after market head without holes...water can possibly have a 'path' thru the gasket holes to start leaks. I plug the four holes down the center of B blocks, that way don't have to be concerned ....except make sure that whatever gasket that you use....that it FITS the head combustion area very well.

[jhowes]

So, why the holes in the first place?

[Mike V. Florida]

The model B block, gasket and head had them. When using a mismatch of parts the Model A head gasket does not cover the holes and coolant can enter the combustion chamber.

[Vicky]

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I would suggest plugging the holes regardless of the head and gasket combination used. They are very close to #2 & #3 cylinders, and can cause more problems than they solve.

I am not sure why they are there, but had once heard that they were part of the casting process. Don't know if that is fact or wild guess.

[nick c]

I read somewhere that those holes were used to locate the head in a fixture as part of the machining process.
nick c

[Jim Brierley]

Plug them as hardtimes an vicky say. They need to be flush with the top of the block to support the gasket. If already plugged but are below block-level, fill with epoxy, JB Weld works good, and file or sand to make them flush.

[deanyeoman]

what process did you use to plug the holes in the B block ? If cast iron taper plugs, what size. Im having a major problem with leaks there. There is not enough edge distance on the head gasket to cover the holes adequately. Dean

[Jim Brierley]

I use regular bolts. Tap the block partially, not all the way through, then insert the bolt until it tightens in the hole, cut off the bolt flush or slightly above the block, file until flush. It is best to machine the top of the block after doing the above but can be done by hand if careful.