The Ford Barn

road_king · 02-23-2013, 07:29 AM

Yesterday I removed my intake and exhaust manifold on my coupe that has been sitting 6 or 7 months and hasn't been started. When I took off the manifold a few ounces of antifreeze ran out of the #2 & #3 exhaust ports. I checked the oil and it looks good (no milkshake color). My initial reaction is a blown head gasket? It has a Winfield head, and compression is consistent on each cylinder at +/- 135lbs. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.

James Rogers · 02-23-2013, 07:52 AM

The gasket is probably not blown but will be soon. You might get by fora while by checking the torque on the head nuts.

H. L. Chauvin · 02-23-2013, 08:22 AM

Just one (1) lucky experience:

Had installed an inexpensive J. C. Whitney head gasket in the early 1960's, (unknown brand), with no copper on top & no copper on bottom -- all black fiber gasket; however, it had steel all around each combustion chamber.

After a couple of years, the steel rusted & gave way between cylinder's 2 & 3 & leaked small amount of coolant at this location.

Luckily, was able to change the head gasket before it blew & installed a NAPA copper gasket whereby it stopped leaking.

road_king · 02-23-2013, 08:22 AM

Hey thanks, for the reply. I'll check all bolts first and re-torque if needed at 55lbs? thanks again James,,, just hoping I don't have a crack somewhere. Car ran fine last summer.

road_king · 02-23-2013, 08:25 AM

I have a couple NOS gaskets, and two new carbon fiber and steel "best brand" from Charlie Yapp that I ordered yesterday to be prepared. I'll finish what I was doing, get it running , then eventually pull the head I guess so I don't have further problems. thanks

James Rogers · 02-23-2013, 08:49 AM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by road_king

I have a couple NOS gaskets, and two new carbon fiber and steel "best brand" from Charlie Yapp that I ordered yesterday to be prepared. I'll finish what I was doing, get it running , then eventually pull the head I guess so I don't have further problems. thanks

When you pull the head for the new gasket, have it resurfaced on a Van Norman 570 broach so the texture is like what was done at the factory. A smooth surface like done with a Kwik Way stone or CBN grinder is too smooth and will allow the gasket to move. These are for decks and heads that use 70# or more torque at the bolts, not the A which is usually 50 or 55#.

Special Coupe Frank · 02-23-2013, 09:49 AM

While you've got that head off, carefully check the block deck for cracks between the exhaust-valve seat and the cylinder bore.

Hate to be a Gloomy Gus, but A's are known to crak there... better to check now.

Hoping for the best for you !

SC Frank

02-23-2013, 07:29 AM	#1
road_king Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: KY Posts: 77	Antifreeze in exhaust manifold Yesterday I removed my intake and exhaust manifold on my coupe that has been sitting 6 or 7 months and hasn't been started. When I took off the manifold a few ounces of antifreeze ran out of the #2 & #3 exhaust ports. I checked the oil and it looks good (no milkshake color). My initial reaction is a blown head gasket? It has a Winfield head, and compression is consistent on each cylinder at +/- 135lbs. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.

02-23-2013, 08:22 AM	#4
road_king Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: KY Posts: 77	Re: Antifreeze in exhaust manifold Hey thanks, for the reply. I'll check all bolts first and re-torque if needed at 55lbs? thanks again James,,, just hoping I don't have a crack somewhere. Car ran fine last summer.

02-23-2013, 08:25 AM	#5
road_king Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: KY Posts: 77	Re: Antifreeze in exhaust manifold I have a couple NOS gaskets, and two new carbon fiber and steel "best brand" from Charlie Yapp that I ordered yesterday to be prepared. I'll finish what I was doing, get it running , then eventually pull the head I guess so I don't have further problems. thanks

02-23-2013, 09:49 AM	#7
Special Coupe Frank Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Northeast Penna Posts: 2,108	Re: Antifreeze in exhaust manifold While you've got that head off, carefully check the block deck for cracks between the exhaust-valve seat and the cylinder bore. Hate to be a Gloomy Gus, but A's are known to crak there... better to check now. Hoping for the best for you ! SC Frank

02-23-2013, 07:52 AM	#2
James Rogers Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Asheville,NC Posts: 3,104	Re: Antifreeze in exhaust manifold The gasket is probably not blown but will be soon. You might get by fora while by checking the torque on the head nuts. __________________ http://www.model-a-ford-4bangers.com/

02-23-2013, 08:22 AM	#3
H. L. Chauvin Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 4,179	Re: Antifreeze in exhaust manifold Just one (1) lucky experience: Had installed an inexpensive J. C. Whitney head gasket in the early 1960's, (unknown brand), with no copper on top & no copper on bottom -- all black fiber gasket; however, it had steel all around each combustion chamber. After a couple of years, the steel rusted & gave way between cylinder's 2 & 3 & leaked small amount of coolant at this location. Luckily, was able to change the head gasket before it blew & installed a NAPA copper gasket whereby it stopped leaking.