The last two Y-blocks I did, both leaked just like yours does. I found that either welding this hole up on the timing cover or threading it and screwing in a brass plug and then surfacing the timing cover on a head surfacing machine and then cleaning the front of the block with 400 grit sandpaper and a sanding block and reassembly with sealer and the leaks on both engines were repaired. I had never encountered this before, but we found that these timing covers both were warped and it took two tries on the cylinder head surfacer to make the timing cover flat. I do not have any idea what that hole in the timing cover is for, but it seems like it's only purpose is to leak water.

put sealer on the 4bolts and make sure they are correct length,also hardened washers in sure clamping stays. if the leak prevails get the front cover machined so it is true. like others  the front cover bolt length is a trap. good luck

Check the tube for the bypass hose that's pressed into the goose neck....I had a leak there that drove me nutz for a while!


"FREE SAMPLE"

From what I've seen and read the colors for the US 59 truck 292's were yellow with black rocker covers. I wonder if that was the same for Oz?
I just looked at some brochures from Oz for 57 & 58 and the block was a light green with red rocker covers.
http://oldcarbrochures.org/index.php/Australia-2/Ford/Ford-Trucks


~DJ~ AKA "Bleach"
1956 Ford Fairlane Town Sedan 30K original miles

This might be a little silly to suggest, but I chased a similar leak in my Y Block for some time.  It turned out to be a defective repro heater control valve.  The thing wouldn't leak until the pressure built up in the block, then the leak was so subtle I didn't notice where it was coming from.  It ran down the block just like in your photo.  I plugged the hole in the manifold and it went away. Damn those Chinese.... 

There's been several discussions about engine color over at the FTE site.   The Y blocks in trucks were originally yellow!    Don't know what year it changed. So,  who cares.   As long as your happy with it.
Ever see a white Caterpillar engine?  Up till recently, if you bought a Peterbilt truck with a cat, it was painted white.   

I've painted a Y block blue just because I liked it. I painted the 223 in my 60 F100 blue also, not correct of course, Ford didn't paint blue engines until 1966. The Y truck blocks were black with red valve covers, just the opposite of the cars the best I remember.
Good luck when you get the gaskets, I hope it works

Anyway, the gasket kit never showed up on Friday, so I’ll have to wait until Monday now to see if the leak is fixed.🤞


Thanks, Dennis.

56 F100 - 272 Y Block
NSW, Australia.

56 Fairlane-
Hahah good on ya😅. I did do some reading on colour before I painted that engine, but I just got confused with all colors. Well, I’ll be painting an engine from a 59 truck soon, what colour is period correct?


Thanks, Dennis.

56 F100 - 272 Y Block
NSW, Australia.

I still think it's because you painted it blue.


~DJ~ AKA "Bleach"
1956 Ford Fairlane Town Sedan 30K original miles