The Ford Barn

phartman · 07-07-2011, 08:39 PM

You might remember that on my last update, I had installed the rebuilt water pumps from Skip on my '36 stock LB 21-stud. The heads were off of the original '34 engine: aluminum Ford issued alloy. It seems that the pumps are now operating so efficiently that the coolant is breaking loose the corrosion from inside the aluminum heads, circulating the crud through the radiator and clogging it up.

My original thought was to replace the heads with a good set of cast iron heads. Problem: I can find plenty of heads for dome pistons, but very few if any for flattops.

I did order a set of the Don Orosco repops, but he is snagged up in some production challenges not of his making and I don't have any idea when I'll actually take delivery of my order.

So...I'm back to the original aluminum heads. I should mention that these heads have worked fine for a long time. No reason I can't use them going forward. However, it is getting old having to keep draining and reverse flushing the radiator.

SO WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO CLEAN THE CORROSION OUT OF THE INTERNAL WATER PASSAGES IN THE HEADS???

I can't seem to find anybody who knows how to clean out the gunk.

I've called some very well-known flathead shops and they didn't really have much of an answer. One guy even suggested I sandblast them.

Yikes.

I've been told to have my machine shop try "shake and bake."

Someone suggested soaking the heads in white vinegar. Someone else suggested muratic acid.

Yikes!

Another person told me to forget it, aluminum heads are no good, hang 'em on the wall and keep looking for cast iron.

So, oh wise ones, the powerful and mighty brain trust of Fordbarn, learned bards of the flathead, what say you? Guide me, please, and help me get my little ride back on the road.

And, as always, many thanks for your suggestions...well, all except for the really dumb ideas that might ruin a good set of vintage heads.

Thanks, guys. I'm open to ideas.

07-07-2011, 08:39 PM	#1
phartman Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 339	Cleaning aluminum heads...need help, guys You might remember that on my last update, I had installed the rebuilt water pumps from Skip on my '36 stock LB 21-stud. The heads were off of the original '34 engine: aluminum Ford issued alloy. It seems that the pumps are now operating so efficiently that the coolant is breaking loose the corrosion from inside the aluminum heads, circulating the crud through the radiator and clogging it up. My original thought was to replace the heads with a good set of cast iron heads. Problem: I can find plenty of heads for dome pistons, but very few if any for flattops. I did order a set of the Don Orosco repops, but he is snagged up in some production challenges not of his making and I don't have any idea when I'll actually take delivery of my order. So...I'm back to the original aluminum heads. I should mention that these heads have worked fine for a long time. No reason I can't use them going forward. However, it is getting old having to keep draining and reverse flushing the radiator. SO WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO CLEAN THE CORROSION OUT OF THE INTERNAL WATER PASSAGES IN THE HEADS??? I can't seem to find anybody who knows how to clean out the gunk. I've called some very well-known flathead shops and they didn't really have much of an answer. One guy even suggested I sandblast them. Yikes. I've been told to have my machine shop try "shake and bake." Someone suggested soaking the heads in white vinegar. Someone else suggested muratic acid. Yikes! Another person told me to forget it, aluminum heads are no good, hang 'em on the wall and keep looking for cast iron. So, oh wise ones, the powerful and mighty brain trust of Fordbarn, learned bards of the flathead, what say you? Guide me, please, and help me get my little ride back on the road. And, as always, many thanks for your suggestions...well, all except for the really dumb ideas that might ruin a good set of vintage heads. Thanks, guys. I'm open to ideas.