B engine revisited

[Gord. B by the bay]

Would someone explain to me why we have to plug to water passages when using an A head? I am running two B engines with Brumfield 5.9 heads and a mondel B gaskets and in 50,000 I have had no problems, seepage or overheating etc. I do not understand.
Gord. B by the Bay

[ursus]

On the B it is very important to check inside the valve chamber for evidence of rust, especially in the roof area which has thin casting and is where a whole web of cracks can form.

I also second Gordon's query about the practice of plugging the two holes: could this be one of those things that are based more on faith and custom than on reason?

[Charlie Stephens]

Originally Posted by Gord. B by the bay

Would someone explain to me why we have to plug to water passages when using an A head? I am running two B engines with Brumfield 5.9 heads and a mondel B gaskets and in 50,000 I have had no problems, seepage or overheating etc. I do not understand.
Gord. B by the Bay

The key words are "when using an A head". It is not a problem with most of the high compression heads due to the shape of the combustion chamber.

Charlie Stephens