The Ford Barn

lotsagas4u · 08-07-2017, 08:12 PM

Have a 36LB, runs like a top, problem is I have 2 clean spark plugs. Number 4 and 5. Engine temp runs around 190 all the time, no thermostats installed. I do have water spitting from tailpipe at first startup. Block was checked for cracks when it was rebuilt. Napa block test kit showed no change in blue color. Seems, if head gasket was bad, engine wouldn't run OK. Oil is not milky. Radiator level stays the same, just above tubes. How is the water getting into the 2 cylinders? I did pull the belt, with water up in pump necks, had slight bubbles when revving engine. Not sure what to check now, thoughts? Thanks

3twinridges · 08-07-2017, 08:17 PM

I am no expert but I don't think the condensation blowing out is all that uncommon in a flathead. I have the 226 in my F1 and it has always done that. When it starts staining the garage floor I know I am running rich and adjust the idle mixture.

lotsagas4u · 08-07-2017, 08:28 PM

Yep, black spatter/stains on my shop floor, newly rebuilt stromberg 97 on this engine.

SofaKing · 08-08-2017, 08:18 AM

Water is a byproduct of combustion, normal to drip at start-up. Can you post photos of the two sparkplugs in question with two from same position on other side for comparison?

big job · 08-08-2017, 08:44 AM

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I wouldn't lose sleep from that. We sevice many big block Mel Lincolns /Mercurys. they had two mufflers and two resonators. By the time the exhaust got to the rear, there would be a a quart of black water on the floor. The 1961 Lincolns & up, all mufflers and resonators was in the rear ( after the axle) As a new 61 Lincoln my father drove about
900 feet to the shop & back home. Thats a no no. He went through more mufflers, resonators finnally went to Midas life time warrantee. They still replaced well into the
1970's. (they took the gas pipe on that one) you have to drive it and dry it. My 46 drips too, but I go around the block or more. Far as plug colors, don't worry you can write a book on that, long as it beats on all 8. I can remember when plugs were gray white and the tail pipe was a clean white. That was all about gas not this crap gas today. Ya feel better now? sam

08-07-2017, 08:12 PM	#1
lotsagas4u Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Plainview, Texas Posts: 757	Head gasket question? Have a 36LB, runs like a top, problem is I have 2 clean spark plugs. Number 4 and 5. Engine temp runs around 190 all the time, no thermostats installed. I do have water spitting from tailpipe at first startup. Block was checked for cracks when it was rebuilt. Napa block test kit showed no change in blue color. Seems, if head gasket was bad, engine wouldn't run OK. Oil is not milky. Radiator level stays the same, just above tubes. How is the water getting into the 2 cylinders? I did pull the belt, with water up in pump necks, had slight bubbles when revving engine. Not sure what to check now, thoughts? Thanks

08-07-2017, 08:17 PM	#2
3twinridges Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Posts: 548	Re: Head gasket question? I am no expert but I don't think the condensation blowing out is all that uncommon in a flathead. I have the 226 in my F1 and it has always done that. When it starts staining the garage floor I know I am running rich and adjust the idle mixture.

08-07-2017, 08:28 PM	#3
lotsagas4u Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Plainview, Texas Posts: 757	Re: Head gasket question? Yep, black spatter/stains on my shop floor, newly rebuilt stromberg 97 on this engine.

08-08-2017, 08:18 AM	#4
SofaKing Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Salt Lake City, Utah Posts: 756	Re: Head gasket question? Water is a byproduct of combustion, normal to drip at start-up. Can you post photos of the two sparkplugs in question with two from same position on other side for comparison?

08-08-2017, 08:44 AM	#5
big job Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Dighton, Mass Posts: 1,230	Re: Head gasket question? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I wouldn't lose sleep from that. We sevice many big block Mel Lincolns /Mercurys. they had two mufflers and two resonators. By the time the exhaust got to the rear, there would be a a quart of black water on the floor. The 1961 Lincolns & up, all mufflers and resonators was in the rear ( after the axle) As a new 61 Lincoln my father drove about 900 feet to the shop & back home. Thats a no no. He went through more mufflers, resonators finnally went to Midas life time warrantee. They still replaced well into the 1970's. (they took the gas pipe on that one) you have to drive it and dry it. My 46 drips too, but I go around the block or more. Far as plug colors, don't worry you can write a book on that, long as it beats on all 8. I can remember when plugs were gray white and the tail pipe was a clean white. That was all about gas not this crap gas today. Ya feel better now? sam