Something tells me the wrong head gasket wouldn't cause leakage running between two bolts on the upperside... but what do I know

 

i got a set of 8rt's , and i know there good . they're on the flatty in my 52 customline , and the only dain set i have seen here 'bouts . nope not gonna sell 'em either . why don't you get a set of 8ba's ? little more plentiful it seems as i have seen lots of them on evil bay and locally , hades my buddy norm has what two sets { on motors all of them } 8cm's a set eab's also . they seem to pop up quite frequently here and really don't raise the compression that much .

 

I'd perfer 8RT because that's whats "right", and I've got 3 good ones running. I also don't want to mis-match sides.

 

on the later blocks there is a small water jacket hole on both ends of the block that doesn't get covered when the wrong head and or gaskets get used. it wouldn't leak between head studs, thats from what i have come across over 50 years of playing with them a bad gasket and lack of sealer under the washer. try and find a set of non copper head gaskets to use, i have used early heads on a late block by taping those holes and installing a 1/8 inch pipe plugs this makes a 49 to 53 usa and 54 "in canada engine" look like 48 and earlier

 

Just placed an order with Macs for a NOS head & gasket for the right side as well as a water pump rebuild kit for the right side (it was leaking).

 

wish you luck with the pump kit. i just tryed to press a impleller off a 33 pump to rebuild it crack! off to egge machine for a new one.

 

So, how does one rebuild a flathead waterpump? Do I need a press?

 

You need a way to press the pulley off and then back on. If your rebuild kit comes with a new impeller you need a way to press the new impeller on. If the rebuild kit lacks a new impeller you need a way to press your old impeller off and back on.

The Ford Truck shop manual has instructions on rebuilding water pumps. I have not rebuilt a pump since the new pumps with ceramic seals came out about a decade ago.

 

"Johnfin" on here came up with a way to do the WP's (1949 -1953 FORD FLATHEAD WATERPUMP REBUILDING) but honestly, you're only saving about $30 each by doing them yourself, it's a PITA job, and if you bend/crack a sheave you're down to Zero. Go to NAPA and buy a rebuilt, they are good pieces.

The head may not be cracked, water may be leaking around one of the bolts and running down the head. Re-torquing with the proper head gasket and thread sealant on the bolts will tell. While the head is off you can dye or mag particle test it.