Water in my oil and on my#6 plug ?

PKRWUD · 07-22-2002, 04:46 AM

I agree that it most likely is a head gasket. A cracked head is another possibility, but with the frequency with which small block Fords blow head gaskets, that is the most likely problem.

I also agree with the advice fiveohpatrol gave you.

In addition, write down where evrything you disconnect goes, both electrical and vacuum. Also, get several shoeboxes. Use them like templates, by slicing small X's in them to represent which pushrod, bolt, etc. goes where, and then stick them there as you remove them. It is important to put everything back in the same spot they came from. You should also plan on having the heads surfaced at a machine shop. Odds are that they aren't perfect if the gasket failed. Lastly, do not use the end gaskets when reinstalling the lower intake manifold. Instead, apply a solid, uninterrupted bead, about 3/8" tall, of RTV silicone on the block where the end gaskets would go. Let it sit for 20 minutes before installing the lower intake. Also, make sure to thoroughly clean all gasket surfaces, and to blow out any and all debris with compressed air. To make life a little easier, drape a towel over the lifter valley as soon as the lower intake comes off. I have also fount that a typical car washing sponge, cut in half, fits perfectly in each cylinder to help keep debris from falling in. You will also need to obtain a tap to clean out the threads for the head bolts in the block. Failure to do this will result in incorrect torque readings when you torque the heads back on, and will increase the likelyhood of blowing another head gasket. Also, when installing the new head bolts, dip the upper bolts in motor oil, and coat the lower bolts with thread sealer (ARP is the best). DO NOT use RTV silicone on the head bolt threads. This too will result in incorrect torque readings. If you have access to a Polaroid or a digital camera, take a bunch of pictures before, and as you go, and have them for reference if you need them.

Take care,
~Chris

07-22-2002, 04:46 AM	#1
PKRWUD Junior Member Join Date: Mar 1999 Location: Ventura, California Posts: 8,981	I agree that it most likely is a head gasket. A cracked head is another possibility, but with the frequency with which small block Fords blow head gaskets, that is the most likely problem. I also agree with the advice fiveohpatrol gave you. In addition, write down where evrything you disconnect goes, both electrical and vacuum. Also, get several shoeboxes. Use them like templates, by slicing small X's in them to represent which pushrod, bolt, etc. goes where, and then stick them there as you remove them. It is important to put everything back in the same spot they came from. You should also plan on having the heads surfaced at a machine shop. Odds are that they aren't perfect if the gasket failed. Lastly, do not use the end gaskets when reinstalling the lower intake manifold. Instead, apply a solid, uninterrupted bead, about 3/8" tall, of RTV silicone on the block where the end gaskets would go. Let it sit for 20 minutes before installing the lower intake. Also, make sure to thoroughly clean all gasket surfaces, and to blow out any and all debris with compressed air. To make life a little easier, drape a towel over the lifter valley as soon as the lower intake comes off. I have also fount that a typical car washing sponge, cut in half, fits perfectly in each cylinder to help keep debris from falling in. You will also need to obtain a tap to clean out the threads for the head bolts in the block. Failure to do this will result in incorrect torque readings when you torque the heads back on, and will increase the likelyhood of blowing another head gasket. Also, when installing the new head bolts, dip the upper bolts in motor oil, and coat the lower bolts with thread sealer (ARP is the best). DO NOT use RTV silicone on the head bolt threads. This too will result in incorrect torque readings. If you have access to a Polaroid or a digital camera, take a bunch of pictures before, and as you go, and have them for reference if you need them. Take care, ~Chris __________________ Webmaster: Rice Haters Club Jim Porter Racing Peckerwoods Pit Stop Support Your Local RED & WHITE!