flathead issues
 

Blew the head gasket #4 on my 8BA engine with aluminum heads. Had antifreeze pouring out the exhaust. Replaced head gasket using copper, Used thread sealent on bolt threads retorqed to 50# all acrording to the book. Engine runs great now but when it comes down to idle alittle white exhaust starts coming out the tailpipe. I don't notice it when driving down the road, only at idle. Any ideas? Thanks, Dave

Re: flathead issues
 

Warped head? Cracked block? Wavy deck on the block? Would have to do some accurate measuring / checking to tell for sure.. Good luck.

Re: flathead issues
 

Have you been through 3 torque cycles oon heads. Maybe try another torque cycle first.
Phil NZ

Re: flathead issues
 

As Henry stated, if you didn't check the heads, block mating surface or inspect for cracks, it will be very difficult to determine what the issue might be now.

Re: flathead issues
 

You could have a coolant pool in your muffler that needs to be cooked off with a long drive.

Lonnie

Re: flathead issues
 

Could benormal exhaust condensation. As someone said, try retorquing and then run for a while to see if you're losing coolant.

Re: flathead issues
 

I went through the 3 torque cycles trying to do everything right. Exhaust was full of antifreeze. Engine is cooling great, level in radiator is not dropping, oil is clean. Just seems not right to do this in idle. Will get out this weekend and drive. Thanks!!

Re: flathead issues
 

Might use a block test Kit to see if there are hydrocarbons in the cooling system. Nice tool for small leaks that are not obvious.

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/BK_7001006

Re: flathead issues
 

Opening a can of worms, but I would think that composite head gaskets would be more apt to seal small imperfections in deck or head.
Here is a video of how a head can be surfaced at home.
Maybe I've opened two cans of worms. You decide!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SK2R2LdkLKs

Re: flathead issues
 

Re: flathead issues
 

Cracks in the exhaust valve bowls can be slow seepers. The center deck area it right above the siamese exhaust port and can crack in the center bolt bore area down into the port causing a slow seeper.

If the head gasket is holding its mud then a person might try some Bars leaks but the stuff can also plug up things you don't want plugged at times. If your radiator is old and partially crudded up, the sealers can finish off the plug.