The Ford Barn

VFRhugh · 06-08-2015, 04:46 PM

Before I finally purchased my A I looked at hundreds of model A's for sale online. Of The ones that had photos of the engine 90% had rust stains between the head and block. Mine does also. I figured it must be normal. Today I thought I heard a new noise so I looked under the hood and saw a small wet area that obviously came from the head gasket area. It is on the drivers side near #2 cylinder. There is a little oil residue that doesn't evaporate after sitting for awhile. The noise sounded like an exhaust leak.
As I mentioned in my original post I drive my A almost every day. Most of the time I can get away with 40MPH. This week I've been checking on my son's house while their on vacation. I need to run 50MPH for three miles to get there safely. It was on one of these trips today that I noticed the wet spot. Should I pull the head or could I re-torque the head first? Any help appreciated.
Hugh

WestCoast · 06-08-2015, 05:05 PM

re torque head and see if that cures the problem, second option is to put in a block sealer, sodium silicate works the best,, BUT READ ALL DIRECTIONS BE FOR USING, any of those can be purchased at most auto parts stores

J Franklin · 06-08-2015, 05:12 PM

I have used Alumaseal with success. It is fine powder that stops leaks and not the radiator. I think the seep is just due to the makeup of the gasket.

Mike V. Florida · 06-09-2015, 12:33 AM

you may also have an exhaust leak.

msmaron · 06-09-2015, 01:42 PM

Start out by purchasing les andrews books, volume #1 and the repair vol#3..that will give you much of the information you seek out.

VFRhugh · 06-09-2015, 05:05 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

I have volumes 1 & 2. They have been invaluable. I have found a lot of loose bolts and screws on my car so I think I'll check the torque first. It still starts and drives great so I'm probably over working it.
Hugh

TinCup · 06-09-2015, 06:30 PM

Be patient and don't rush to change parts. This board has at least 10 opinions on every question.

Use the search feature and do some reading and research on your issues. Welcome aboard hope you drive that A!

glenn in camino · 06-09-2015, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VFRhugh

Before I finally purchased my A I looked at hundreds of model A's for sale online. Of The ones that had photos of the engine 90% had rust stains between the head and block. Mine does also. I figured it must be normal. Today I thought I heard a new noise so I looked under the hood and saw a small wet area that obviously came from the head gasket area. It is on the drivers side near #2 cylinder. There is a little oil residue that doesn't evaporate after sitting for awhile. The noise sounded like an exhaust leak.
As I mentioned in my original post I drive my A almost every day. Most of the time I can get away with 40MPH. This week I've been checking on my son's house while their on vacation. I need to run 50MPH for three miles to get there safely. It was on one of these trips today that I noticed the wet spot. Should I pull the head or could I re-torque the head first? Any help appreciated.
Hugh

I always use the copper clad head gasket with a good coat of spray Coppercoat on both sides and a 2" length of copper wire between 2&3 and 3&4. No leaks.

VFRhugh · 06-09-2015, 08:28 PM

A link to some photos would be awesome.
Thanks,
Hugh

Henry1953 · 06-09-2015, 08:44 PM

I had seepage after replacing my head gasket 15 years ago. I used the aluminum powder in the coolant and it sealed the seepage right away. I know it really works. I just replaced that old gasket with one of the modern ones sold by snyders and others. I hope I didn't make a mistake. So far absolutely no seepage with the new gasket.

VFRhugh · 07-05-2015, 10:55 AM

Found my exhaust leak!!
Thinking Mac's Intake/Exhaust combo is the best option. Any thoughts?
Thanks,
Hugh
https://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5d924b3127cc552e90c20565600000010O1wEbN27Fw1aM2 oPbtx-/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D0053458170762015
0705154540623.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/?tn=797218616

katy · 07-05-2015, 12:02 PM

Quote:

I always use the copper clad head gasket with a good coat of spray Coppercoat on both sides and a 2" length of copper wire between 2&3 and 3&4. No leaks.

Would you please explain the copper wire between cylinders.
Tnx, Ken

06-09-2015, 12:33 AM	#4
Mike V. Florida Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: South Florida Posts: 14,054	Re: New owner Million qoestions: Head gasket question. you may also have an exhaust leak. __________________ What's right about America is that although we have a mess of problems, we have great capacity - intellect and resources - to do some thing about them. - Henry Ford II

06-09-2015, 01:42 PM	#5
msmaron Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Wauconda, IL Posts: 3,600	Re: New owner Million qoestions: Head gasket question. Start out by purchasing les andrews books, volume #1 and the repair vol#3..that will give you much of the information you seek out. __________________ Mark Maron Ill., Region MARC & MAFCA MARC JSC Member MAFFI Trustee National Facebook Admin. https://www.facebook.com/groups/MARC.group/ A7191-Sport Coupe 29 Roadster 29-Town Sedan 29-Original Special Coupe

06-09-2015, 05:05 PM	#6
VFRhugh Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Texas Posts: 177	Re: New owner Million qoestions: Head gasket question. Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I have volumes 1 & 2. They have been invaluable. I have found a lot of loose bolts and screws on my car so I think I'll check the torque first. It still starts and drives great so I'm probably over working it. Hugh

06-09-2015, 06:30 PM	#7
TinCup Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: OKC / Tonkawa, Ok. Posts: 1,977	Re: New owner Million qoestions: Head gasket question. Be patient and don't rush to change parts. This board has at least 10 opinions on every question. Use the search feature and do some reading and research on your issues. Welcome aboard hope you drive that A! __________________ Oklahoma City Model A Restorers Group.

06-09-2015, 08:28 PM	#9
VFRhugh Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Texas Posts: 177	Re: New owner Million qoestions: Head gasket question. A link to some photos would be awesome. Thanks, Hugh

06-08-2015, 04:46 PM	#1
VFRhugh Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Texas Posts: 177	New owner Million qoestions: Head gasket question. Before I finally purchased my A I looked at hundreds of model A's for sale online. Of The ones that had photos of the engine 90% had rust stains between the head and block. Mine does also. I figured it must be normal. Today I thought I heard a new noise so I looked under the hood and saw a small wet area that obviously came from the head gasket area. It is on the drivers side near #2 cylinder. There is a little oil residue that doesn't evaporate after sitting for awhile. The noise sounded like an exhaust leak. As I mentioned in my original post I drive my A almost every day. Most of the time I can get away with 40MPH. This week I've been checking on my son's house while their on vacation. I need to run 50MPH for three miles to get there safely. It was on one of these trips today that I noticed the wet spot. Should I pull the head or could I re-torque the head first? Any help appreciated. Hugh

06-08-2015, 05:05 PM	#2
WestCoast Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: oroville calif Posts: 893	Re: New owner Million qoestions: Head gasket question. re torque head and see if that cures the problem, second option is to put in a block sealer, sodium silicate works the best,, BUT READ ALL DIRECTIONS BE FOR USING, any of those can be purchased at most auto parts stores

06-08-2015, 05:12 PM	#3
J Franklin Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Oregon Posts: 5,963	Re: New owner Million qoestions: Head gasket question. I have used Alumaseal with success. It is fine powder that stops leaks and not the radiator. I think the seep is just due to the makeup of the gasket.

06-09-2015, 08:44 PM	#10
Henry1953 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Laurel, MS Posts: 126	Re: New owner Million qoestions: Head gasket question. I had seepage after replacing my head gasket 15 years ago. I used the aluminum powder in the coolant and it sealed the seepage right away. I know it really works. I just replaced that old gasket with one of the modern ones sold by snyders and others. I hope I didn't make a mistake. So far absolutely no seepage with the new gasket.

07-05-2015, 10:55 AM	#11
VFRhugh Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Texas Posts: 177	Re: New owner Million qoestions: Head gasket question. Found my exhaust leak!! Thinking Mac's Intake/Exhaust combo is the best option. Any thoughts? Thanks, Hugh https://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5d924b3127cc552e90c20565600000010O1wEbN27Fw1aM2 oPbtx-/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D0053458170762015 0705154540623.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/?tn=797218616