The block at the outside edge of the head should measure 1.000" this should tell you if and how much they have been surfaced before.

   God Bless.   Tim                           http://yblockguy.com/

350ci Y-Block FED "Elwood", 301ci Y-Block Unibody LSR "Jake", 312ci Y-Block '58 F-100, 338ci Y-Block powered Model A Tudor

tim@yblockguy.com  Visalia, California    Just west of the Sequoias

You may not have to resurface the head. Just make sure it is flat. The usual clean-up cut on the head does not require that the intake be cut as well.


Lawrenceville, GA

Thanks Tim. I'm sure the place I take the heads will know what to do, I guess I just want to know before hand. Is the re-surface standard/necessary? I was talking to a guy that told me to be careful with doing that because if you take too much off the head, you also have to take some off the intake manifold. Again, being the first time I have rebuilt an engine I just have a lot of questions.

Just the basics, first is clean and Magna-Flux. Next would be to check the guides and valves, we almost always install new valves and guides but we will work with you if you are poor.   Hard seats in the exhaust is next and then a three angle valve job. The three angle valve job is what all shops should do so to say it like that is almost redundant, but I have seen a few that touch the seat with a stone and call it good enough. Last is the resurface, then clean and reassemble. It is a good idea to check your spring height and if the engine has a hydrolic cam and non adjusting rockers you need to set the valve stem height.

I think that is about it, I'm sure if I missed something you guys will let me know. 

   God Bless.   Tim                           http://yblockguy.com/

350ci Y-Block FED "Elwood", 301ci Y-Block Unibody LSR "Jake", 312ci Y-Block '58 F-100, 338ci Y-Block powered Model A Tudor

tim@yblockguy.com  Visalia, California    Just west of the Sequoias

So, lets say you are rebuilding an engine. What would have the machine shop do to the heads? I know I need new exhaust valve seats. What else needs to get done?

Yes that was a fresh set of "C" heads that obviously needed new valve springs. Only it wasn't obvious enough until I pulled the head and found that (picture).

Slammed pretty hard at freeway speed, if only for milli-seconds before I got it shut down. Fortunate to save the 312 block.

Casey Lake - Faribault, Minnesota

Street Rodder magazine had what i consider to be a very good series of articles on rebuilding a YBlock, and had a couple of tricks?? regarding heads. The series ran in 1999. I recommend you try to find a copy. Started in February 1999 and ran through December, with no article in August..

54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

Whoa, is that the valve head stuck in the piston?


Lawrenceville, GA

Evan: Yes there are a couple of errors in the book and one or two controversial modification recommendations..However, except for original manuals it's the only book available. One error is the photo of the Timing Chain installation which has the engine upside down. It should be upright with the marks to the right. Unfortunately, it has been reported here that the latest reissue of the book has poor print quality. If you are going to do the reassembly, also get a manual. If in further doubt, ask here..

Paul

Thanks for the avise.

I have heard mixed things about the Eickman book. I was told it has a lot of good info in it, but there were a couple things that were not correct. Dont know if there is any truth to those claims or not.