Model B - Water in Oil

[A BONED]

Hi fellas,
I have a 32 model B motor that was rebuilt around a year ago, with 0.100' over pistons, Winfield 'R' camshaft, original Winfield 6:1 head, a 2x2 intake with 2 Stromberg 97's, and a rebuilt 30's Mallory distributor.

I have water in the oil, the oil is grey in colour. I have replaced the head gasket 4 times now with no success so far. I've pulled the head off again tonight and noticed that there are stains in cylinder number 4, the other three still look good. I could not see a crack in the cylinder wall, but maybe there is one there...? I've also had water leaking past four head studs, and collecting on the head. Not much water, but it's there. I've prepared the head and deck surfaces properly each time, and installed the studs with sealer, and torqued them correctly.

I'm really pulling my hair out here and need to find a permanent fix. When the motor has been run, she pulls nice with tons of power. Appreciate any assistance. I have included an image of number 4 cylinder. The motor is also running rich which can be seen by the carbon around each pot.

Chris.

[John]

I have seen a crack in the valve galley of 'B' engines and many cracks around the valve seats. Time to rig up a pressure test or at least pull the valve chamber cover and do a close inspection. Also have the head checked for cracks in the combustion chambers at a motor shop.

[Kurt in NJ]

I have seen a lot of "B" blocks with cracks between the ex valve seat and the cylinder --look close there

[CWPASADENA]

It appears that you are not getting head gasket sealing around the cylinders.

With .100 overbore, you may need "big bore" head gaskets to get the sealing ring of the gasket back away from the edge of the bore. Also, are you sure the head is absolutely flat.

What kind of head gasket are you using? It appears it may be copper or is that just the sealer you put on it?

I seem to have good luck with the composition gaskets and copper coat or some similar sealer.

Just my opinion,

Chris W.

[colin1928]

Chris I think it is time for a pressure test and have a good look for a tiny crack or pin hole
where are you ?? check if someone near you has a pressure tester
Colin

[ppower]

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I had the same problem. It was a crack between the exhaust valve and cylinder. It extended down into the exhaust port. It was stitched and the block was silicon sealed.

[A BONED]

Originally Posted by CWPASADENA

It appears that you are not getting head gasket sealing around the cylinders.

With .100 overbore, you may need "big bore" head gaskets to get the sealing ring of the gasket back away from the edge of the bore. Also, are you sure the head is absolutely flat.

What kind of head gasket are you using? It appears it may be copper or is that just the sealer you put on it?

I seem to have good luck with the composition gaskets and copper coat or some similar sealer.

Just my opinion,

Chris W.

Thanks Chris, I value your opinion. And will look closer at the bore size on the gasket I was using. I did use a copper gasket with copper spray sealer. In fact I thank everyone for their input here. It seems that I should get the block and head pressure or crack tested to determine if there are cracks, and then go from there.

Chris.

[A BONED]

Originally Posted by colin1928

Chris I think it is time for a pressure test and have a good look for a tiny crack or pin hole
where are you ?? check if someone near you has a pressure tester
Colin

G'day Col,

I'm in North Caulfield Melbourne. Good advise, I'll put the word out for a pressure tester.

Chris.

[A BONED]

Originally Posted by ppower

I had the same problem. It was a crack between the exhaust valve and cylinder. It extended down into the exhaust port. It was stitched and the block was silicon sealed.

Thanks ppower, I have the head off and will take a closer look.

Chris.

[johnneilson]

I had a "B" motor with a crack in the exhaust port in the upper 3rd, below where the seat would project. It would pull water up into the cylinder during overlap, not stock cam, and would leak out the exhaust. It never contaminated the oil but was a bugger to find as it was always thought to be a head gasket problem. The first picture does not show gasket failure with water in the chamber, unless both are leaking evenly. For my money, I would look in the water jacket under the valves.

J

[colin1928]

Originally Posted by A BONED

G'day Col,

I'm in North Caulfield Melbourne. Good advise, I'll put the word out for a pressure tester.

Chris.

Chris I have pressure test kit would be happy to test it for you
pm me for contact details
Colin

[CWPASADENA]

Originally Posted by forever4

It also appears to me that the gasket is not sealing. What gasket number is in that engine? Is it a real 'B' gasket?

For more info, see the head gasket guid page on my web site for more info.

Model A & B Head Gasket Guide: Details, Brands, Types, & Applications on Ford Garage

I agree the gasket definitely does appear to not have sealed.

Chris W.