Rust on Block Deck?

[Bruce of MN]

I am pulling my engine to replace the cam gear with stripped teeth and clean the pan. I pulled the head and was surprised by what looks like rust on the deck. The head gasket https://www.brattons.com/modern-head...-cylinder.html was installed last Fall and only had about 100 miles on it and the steel rings looked good. I had torqued it per the pattern several times. I'll scrape it, but what could have caused those deposits?

[Russ/40]

It appears some dampness was entering the cylinders. At this point, impossible to pin it down. It looks like not enough heat cycles, and miles driven occurred to present a problem. It could be short trips without time to burn off condensation. Can't really know for sure. I suggest a good quality copper gasket with liberal use of Permatex copper coat. Model A heads seem to seep moisture more than other early Ford's do. I ignore the sentiment of putting copper gaskets on dry. I get them good and stickey on both sides.

[Bob C]

There have been a lot of problems with the gasket you show in the link.


Bob

[Flathead]

I don't see a gasket problem even though they have a so-so reputation. Why did you happen to pull the head for a cam gear job?

[nick c]

To clean I would use wd40 and a die grinder with a cup shaped wire wheel, then use copper coat in spray can both sides of gasket.

[Jim Brierley]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

It appears the rust is mainly on one cylinder, perhaps water is getting in thru a crack or something other than the gasket? I suggest cleaning the top surface thoroughly and maybe even pulling the valves and inspecting for cracks. I can't see clearly enough to see if the gasket was sealing 100%.

[Bruce of MN]

Thanks to all for the suggestions.

In earlier threads, there were different opinions on the right gasket for a 6:1 head. I’ll try a different type next.

The head came off to make it lighter on the engine stand and it is good that I did.

I’ll clean the deck for sure.

[1crosscut]

On the high compression head I just installed I used the "Best" brand composite gasket. Second time I've used it on high compression heads. Settles in quicker than the copper gaskets in my opinion.
I use the copper coat spray on them and apply it to the gasket in two very light coats letting it get good and tacky after each coat.
No need for putting it on overly heavy.
There is a powdery film on them and I wipe it off before putting on the gasket spray.
I've heard nothing but negative things about the gasket you used. I think that it could have been the source of your troubles.

[Jack Shaft]

Use a roloc bristle disc to clean the deck,it was designed for cleaning aluminum heads,unlike a wire wheel it does not remove any metal.Even using an abrasive like scotchbrite removes metal

[Russ/40]

I used a copper gasket when installing my 6.1 head. I hate scraping off those composit gaskets. As i said above, I'm pretty liberal with the copper spray on copper gaskets and get no coolant seepage.

[Jim Brierley]

I too prefer copper gaskets, same reason Russ/40 does. I use silver paint because copper-coat and others never dry, so are a bit slippery. Silver paint dries and acts like glue, holding the gasket in place, an old racer's trick.

[katy]

Originally Posted by Jim Brierley

I too prefer copper gaskets, same reason Russ/40 does. I use silver paint because copper-coat and others never dry, so are a bit slippery. Silver paint dries and acts like glue, holding the gasket in place, an old racer's trick.

Ditto

[30 Closed Cab PU]

I deleted, was meant for different post/string..

[Benson]

Excellent tool suggestion!


Copper gaskets with Copper Coat is my vote ... they come off without all the scraping.

Besides removing cast iron as mentioned ... in the past I have seen wires come loose from the wire brushes and get lodged in between piston and cylinder wall ... puts vertical grooves in cylinder walls ...


just my experience!

Originally Posted by Jack Shaft

Use a roloc bristle disc to clean the deck,it was designed for cleaning aluminum heads,unlike a wire wheel it does not remove any metal.Even using an abrasive like scotchbrite removes metal

[Jack Shaft]

Vietnam era jeeps ...m151's?used a steel headgasket,the only way we could get them to hold is with spraypaint..

[Benson]

M-151 they rolled over rather easily, we were told to be careful on mountain roads/switchbacks on Mang Yang Pass and Ankhe Pass on QL-19.

While visiting my friend Jesse Roberts at Cam Ranh Bay he told me that he rolled one on a dry, flat road ... The Army tried to get him to pay for it.

The Court Marshall let him off the hook when witnesses told them what happened.

[Jack Shaft]

The 151's had independent rear and front suspension..like a Jaguar, couldn't keep u joints in them. Clowns would put a ping pong ball in the fuel tank,they would buck under acceleration,the ball would be sucked down and block flow,once it died the ball floated to the top and you ran again,no problem.By the time the brass hat brought it to the shop the ball would be dissolved in the gasoline,we would check it out,ran fine..one of the few times you could give a butter bar a funny look..

[Jim Brierley]

I was in Nurnberg, Germany when the M-151's came out. Was in an Army Artillery unit, 280mm cannons. Our priority was apparently quite low as we turned a M-38A (or A-1?)in for repairs and were issued a M-38!

[Jack Shaft]

Seabees..they were smart enough not to let us play with big guns.

[Bruce of MN]

Here's my cam gear, I may have to replace it.