Looking at the intake it looks like the middle cylinders were hotter than the rest.

 

I did a very quick craigslist search and found these:
239 - https://oklahomacity.craigslist.org/pts/4623261070.html
292 & 312 stuff in OKC - https://oklahomacity.craigslist.org/pts/4617825893.html
Unknown - https://oklahomacity.craigslist.org/cto/4607550817.html

 

I'm already waiting on replies from the OKC ads. The one in Texas is a great deal, but I'm not sure a can afford the motor and the drive till after payday.

 

That is where the exhaust is routed when the engine is cold to warm the intake manifold. If the butterfly heat riser on the passenger side manifold is stuck closed the manifold does get [B]extremely[/B] warm.
Edit: It is normal to see the paint burned or discolored on the intake manifold in this location on a Y block.

 

If you'd like, I have a '55 239 block that was running fine last May. It had a cracked head so I replaced the whole thing. Swing on down to Dallas and get it out of the wife's way! It's just the block crank rods and pistons (still assembled) but it is free if you want it. Send a PM.

 

And that leads to cracked head on left side. Then burnt valves and the like.
Previous owner thought he tied the valve open. Instead, he tied it closed. Oops!

 

What a cool truck. I hope ya keep a Y Block in it. A 292 is a heck of a truck engine.
Check out "Y Blocks Forever" web site. Maybe someone can post a link to it?

 

Can't beat that offer!! If I don't find a good 292 I'll definitely hit you up!!


Good info on the exhaust, I will definitely get educated on Y blocks quickly with this one.

 

The guy with 2 292s and a 312 said he would sell me a complete 292 that's out if his truck. It runs but smokes for $150. I wonder what my machine shop will charge to go thru it??

 

I'm still going to tear this one down some more. Maybe a gasket set and having the heads cleaned/checked will be all it needs.

 

One thing to be aware of is the use of gasket seat spark plugs in 1954. Starting in 1955 Ford used taper seat spark plugs. Just one more of the 1954 Y-block quirks.

 

thanx stu for the pic ! i still say it's far easier to put a later 292 in it instead of the oddball 239 . there was a small list of things that were different on them if i remember than any other y block , and i think i read about it here in some thread from a few moons ago .

 

Just be aware of an inherent problem with the Y blocks. There is a oil passage dog leg between the deck and the head where oil tends to coke and block flow to the rockers. Cam bearings in the earlier engines can be problematic as well in they don't allow enough oil to the rockers. Even if you have your heads worked be aware oil flow to the heads could still be a problem.

 

It's pretty much standard to add an outside oil tube kit to solve this problem.

 

From what I recall: The early 239's cam journals are a different size than any other Y-block.