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Old 07-15-2017, 09:33 PM   #1
PatrickTA
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Default Water in cylinders. Cracked block??

Hello
So I keep getting water in the cylinders. I've replaced the head gasket 3 times and used both the copper and the modern head gaskets. And I still get a small water leak into cylinders 2 and 3. I'm not sure how this keeps happening. I've checked the head, had it decked, maged the block and the head, using grade 8 studs and nuts.
I'm beginning to think I've got a cracked block. Maybe In the valve ports? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
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Old 07-15-2017, 10:39 PM   #2
Mike V. Florida
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Default Re: Water in cylinders. Cracked block??

Maybe the head, maybe not enough torque/torqued enough times. Maybe warped head or block.

Could be a lot of things.

If we knew where you lived there maybe a fordbarner near by or a local Model A club that could lend a hand.
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Old 07-15-2017, 11:12 PM   #3
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Default Re: Water in cylinders. Cracked block??

"maged" the head and block? do you mean it was magnafluxed?
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Old 07-15-2017, 11:25 PM   #4
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Default Re: Water in cylinders. Cracked block??

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"maged" the head and block? do you mean it was magnafluxed?
That was my first thought. If the block and head were "maged", that should have shown that they were cracked or not?
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Old 07-16-2017, 12:06 AM   #5
Chuck Sea/Tac
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Default Re: Water in cylinders. Cracked block??

Were they checked with a machinist level? Have you tried to pressurize either the water system ( if the radiator is connected only a few pounds of pressure) or pressurizie the cylinders involved, and watch for bubbles in the radiator? If you can borrow a block tester like shiners sells, that's a great way to test for cracks. Both clubs I belong to have one in their tool library, and I just got one for my own personal use.
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Old 07-16-2017, 04:50 AM   #6
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Default Re: Water in cylinders. Cracked block??

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Try another head is what I would do because your getting water in both cylinders.
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Old 07-16-2017, 06:04 AM   #7
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Default Re: Water in cylinders. Cracked block??

If you're looking for a replacement block, I have one for you. LOL

When you buy a block at an auction, there's usually a good reason it isn't still in a car.
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File Type: jpg Crack in Valve Chamber.jpg (82.1 KB, 121 views)
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Old 07-16-2017, 08:02 AM   #8
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Default Re: Water in cylinders. Cracked block??

Listen to mike and wick !!! My money is on there advice
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Old 07-16-2017, 08:28 AM   #9
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Default Re: Water in cylinders. Cracked block??

Yes, if the block has been in the chassis the whole time, magnaflux can miss a crack because of oil, carbon or simply lack of access. Pressure testing can be done more successfully with the above hurdles and magnaflux might actually find small hairline issues that are not yet a problem, but only if the casting has been stripped down and cleaned. Having useable babbit can be a problem when trying to use the best cleaning methods, so in your case, go bare block and with a different head.
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Old 07-16-2017, 08:31 AM   #10
Patrick L.
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Default Re: Water in cylinders. Cracked block??

Next time the head is off, try a torch. Just slowly wave the torch anywhere you think there could be a problem. If there is a crack that'll usually find it.
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Old 07-16-2017, 08:35 AM   #11
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Default Re: Water in cylinders. Cracked block??

I had the same problem. my Vicky was foaming out the radiator cap on any kind of pull just enough to piss me off. I has the head milled a went to the modern gasket and it was a little better. then some of the boys told me about the head gasket that they picked up at Bert`s made by Best, I stalled one. end of problem. I have been hearing more and more of the modern gasket leaking. just my two cents

note if the are running a B head make sure you are using a B gasket.
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Old 07-16-2017, 11:58 AM   #12
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Default Re: Water in cylinders. Cracked block??

Just for the HECK of it, I'd try Old Fashioned Bars-Leaks & see what happens????
Bill Guessing?
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Old 07-16-2017, 01:13 PM   #13
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Default Re: Water in cylinders. Cracked block??

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Just for the HECK of it, I'd try Old Fashioned Bars-Leaks & see what happens????
Bill Guessing?
Or if your getting the car judged,use oatmeal and pepper for the 'period correct' repair.
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Old 07-16-2017, 01:38 PM   #14
Chuck Sea/Tac
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Default Re: Water in cylinders. Cracked block??

I hit a deer sliding to a stop from 80mph at night on a country road, in my dads 66 rambler wagon. It took out the radiator, so I limped two miles to the general store/post office/service station, ect and bought a large can of pepper, of which I emptied the entire contents into the radiator.As it was a big leak. Got me twenty some miles home. However the pepper also plugged the heater and it ended up being replaced as well.
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Old 07-16-2017, 09:05 PM   #15
PatrickTA
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Default Re: Water in cylinders. Cracked block??

So for an update and more info. It's a high compression head. older engine with a quite a bit of miles. I did magnaflux both the head and the block. I am beginning to think the block is warped or has a small crack the magnaflux couldn't see. And I torqued the head to 60-65 pounds in the proper sequence and returqued the next day.
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Old 07-16-2017, 09:22 PM   #16
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Default Re: Water in cylinders. Cracked block??

http://diyford.com/inspect-ford-flat...ltimate-guide/

this is based on V8's but it gives you some ideas..
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Old 07-17-2017, 03:27 PM   #17
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Default Re: Water in cylinders. Cracked block??

Quote:
Originally Posted by PatrickTA View Post
So for an update and more info. It's a high compression head. older engine with a quite a bit of miles. I did magnaflux both the head and the block. I am beginning to think the block is warped or has a small crack the magnaflux couldn't see. And I torqued the head to 60-65 pounds in the proper sequence and returqued the next day.
So are you checking for warping???
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Old 07-17-2017, 08:00 PM   #18
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Default Re: Water in cylinders. Cracked block??

Tom, looks like a lightening strike! Bad spot for a crack unless you have the skills to weld it.
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