leaking head gaskets

just fired it up , while filling block w/h20 water started leaking out the sides , top etc . heads were surfaced , block is super clean , re torqued after hot , but still leaking . dont think any going into cyls . runs good . used a copper sandwich made by "best" ?? did notice when torqueing , the center of the gasket was oozing out sides . is this normal ? should i go to reg gaskets ? thanks

1. Did you use a thread sealer on the head fasteners?



2. Did you use a sealer on the gaskets such as spray copper coat or silver/aluminum paint?



3. Did you use the Ford recommmended torque sequence and torque specs?

What year block/motor? What year/type heads, and what material (cast iron, aluminum? Were decks also milled / surfaced? Did you check milled decks/heads for flatness? Did you use thread sealer on studs/bolts? Any type of sealant/paint used on head gaskets? How much torque on nuts/bolts are you using? John

motor is a `40 v8 , surfaced cast heads torqued to 55 lbs ,studs, no thread sealer , used copper coat on gaskets , torqued to ford sequence cold then hot . thanks

All but one bolt hole on each head goes to water. You need to use a thread sealer. Aviation Permatex is a good one. Generous Motors also has one they use on Caddy Northstar engines that works well.

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I suggest permatex 2 on those head bolts; stays pliable and stays on the bolts (and your hands, tools, etc... )