So since I've taken a break from the 427 build for a bit, I thought I'd work on some "cheaper" projects and # one on the list was the leaky head gaskets on my OEM '70 302. For 42 years old and 110K miles, it's running ok...but it
s black crap and water out the exhaust, smells like gas, and leaks all over the block.So last weekend I dove into it and tore it all apart. I had to remove the air cleaner, carb, intake manifold, power steering bracket, alternator bracket, all the hoses, and exhaust manifolds. That got me to the heads. First lesson was it's probably a good idea to put it up on stands and drain out all the coolant I could....when you crack the seal on the heads....all the extra coolant runs out...all over everything...including into the cylinders.
After removing the heads I realized I couldn't just put them back on again (well I could but you know). So after some research on re-manufactured heads from the local parts shops, I dropped them off with Scott at MPG Heads in Englewood. He's going to clean them up and rebuild including valve seats for unleaded gas. I also dropped off the intake manifold...he's going to hot tank it and reseal the plate on the underside.
I spent a good couple hours cleaning up the block and mating surfaces where the heads go. There was quite a lot of crap from the leakage.
Turns out that most of the gaskets I got in the kit for the 427 that I'm not going to be using will work fine on the 302. Scott said it will take about 10 days for turn around on the heads so I'm really at a stand still right now.
a coat of paint on them and re-install.
