How to do an engine assessment on my wifes 81A?

[41ford1]

Got it. No tricks. Basically all you need is another head gasket. Drain the coolant. Pull the old head and gasket and replace with new. Torque it down in a circular pattern from the center of the head to the outside ends. I usually do it in 3 stages, 40 lb-ft, 50 lb-ft and ending at 55-lb-ft. Fill the cooling system with straight water. Run a couple of temp cycles checking for leaks and retourque. Drain the cooling system and refill with proper coolant.