engine runs rough

[freak]

They aren't through holes. They only are around 1/4" deep.

[tbirdtbird]

Hmmmmm....Tom, do suppose some misguided individual decided to reduce the diameter of the water holes to the head? In a similar vein that misguided ppl drilled holes in their dipper trays so they could 'drain out all the oil on an oil change' ?

Before I reassemble anything I'd get the dimensions from another block as to what is going on.

Measure the diameters and post them and then we can better advise you.
I sure wish Purdy were still posting

[freak]

I started another thread on this so some others with knowledge might notice.

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by tbirdtbird

Hmmmmm....Tom, do suppose some misguided individual decided to reduce the diameter of the water holes to the head? In a similar vein that misguided ppl drilled holes in their dipper trays so they could 'drain out all the oil on an oil change' ?

Before I reassemble anything I'd get the dimensions from another block as to what is going on.

Measure the diameters and post them and then we can better advise you.
I sure wish Purdy were still posting

I don't have a block handy to measure the hole diameter, but the corresponding hole in the head is 1/4".

[tbirdtbird]

can you get us a better closeup pic?

Do all the altered holes have the exact same appearance?

Is this just rust buildup over the years that has narrowed these? In which case they def. need to be drilled out.....

we need more info...
tough not being right there....

[freak]

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I'll get a better shot tomorrow. I really think they are plugged with a set screw. I couldn't see good enough but I'll see if an allen wrench fits. This has me worried now.

[tbirdtbird]

can you use a small pick tool to poke around there? and a blow-gun?

[colin1928]

Those are called steam holes and should be block off if fitting any aftermarket Hi comp head
Most good heads do not have the corresponding hole (Winfield ect)
Blocking off both the head and block is common and prolongs gasket life
They are not needed if you have a working water pump

[freak]

colin1928 you were spot on! I got the head back today and there are no corresponding holes in it. Your statement that "Blocking off both the head and block is common and prolongs gasket life" appears to be the reason. Thanks!!

[freak]

The head was .002 out. I have everything ready but I ordered a new torque wrench because both of mine are cheap and I no longer trust them. Unfortunately I don't think it will be here for the weekend. How do you guys go about setting your stud height? I heard one thread showing past the nut is the rule. Should I set the head on the block with a spacer equal to the gasket thickness and set the height from there?

[freak]

I'm starting to think this blown head gasket is a blessing in disguise. My distributor was extremely hard to turn. It was probably only a short time before something snapped. I got it clean and lubed and it turns great now. Just painted the head and water neck today. Still waiting on my new torque wrench.

[tbirdtbird]

good work!