I'm thinking it's time for a new head gasket..

[Synchro909]

Originally Posted by Wareagle

Thanks guys. I ordered the new head from Snyder's. I have tried to re-torque the head before when I drained the oil and found water. I thought if I had to replace the head gasket, I might as well replace the head at the same time. I will take it to a guy here that does race engines and have him check flatness.

Don't let them talk you into taking any more metal off the head than is absolutely necessary. We recently had an engine in the workshop that had been reconditioned by a mob that builds race engines. The owner thought he was doing the right thing but it was stuffed. We had to sleeve every cylinder (they had gone through into the water jacket in 3 cyilinders). The compression ratio had been taken up to 10:1 so the bottom end was not going to last and they had messed up the push rods. It was a Darraq engine and they don't grow on trees.
All I can say to the OP is "Take Care" and by the way, I think you are doing the right thing with the 5.5:1 head. I have 3 of them and wouldn't go any other way.

[Mitch//pa]

here is the recent thread about the new snyders 5.5 heads being twisted.....
http://fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=79701

[Wareagle]

Got the new head in today. Took it over to my friend that owns the local machine shop and had him check it out. Head was straight and level with no twists are warpage. He said it was good to go. After removing the old head, I noticed a set of numbers stamped on the block between the 2nd and 3rd cylinder on the driver's side. Does any one know what these numbers mean?

[rocket1]

Head seepage common,water in the oil, condensation,install a thermostat to raise temperature

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Remember, just because someone titles himself a "RACE MECHANIC" doesn't necessarily mean that he's an "EXPURT" on EVERYTHING!!!
I sometimes call myself a DOCTOR, may I perform your next BRAIN SURGERY? I have REASONABLE PRICES & use the accepted "FLAT RATE BOOK" & employ a cute seamstress, that does DECORATIVE STITCHING!!
Bill W.

[1931 flamingo]

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Wareagle: What were the #'s?? Stamped or etched??
Paul in CT

[Wareagle]

The numbers were stamped between the 2nd and 3rd hole on the outer edge. The numbers were 1824. No other markings. Just curious as to what these mean.

I know just because he builds race motors doesn't make him a mechanic but his Dad did run nascar back in the day and he has built engines and designed the cams for some ARCA and Xfinity race engines. So I hope he knows what heads should ok to run.

[burner31]

Originally Posted by TinCup

Working on a club members car he managed to snap 3 head bolts. Toughest I have ever encountered. Normally we would use the washer trick but because he snapped the two back bolts we pulled the motor and took it to Pat's Machine shop in OKC. They did a great job of drilling out the broken studs and removing the remaining studs. They even managed to snap 2 of the remaining studs. We will be putting it back in next week. They can be removed if broken.

And that is EXACLY why I'm waiting, I don't want to take the chance, I'm not my Uncle Sam who likes to fix things until it breaks.
It can wait