winfield head usable???

whidbeyA

Junior Member
I found a Winfield head locally and the price is right but it has been milled down so far I don't know it it is usable. If my pistons run .040 above the deck of the block will they be too close to the chambers on this head? is there a special thick head gasket to solve this issue?
 

Attachments

  • IMG_1218.jpg
    IMG_1218.jpg
    40.1 KB · Views: 133
  • IMG_1216.jpg
    IMG_1216.jpg
    75.3 KB · Views: 174
Option; have re-milled to make sure it is flat then have the pop-up area fly cut. I would question that one area where the flycut is missing and maybe along the dark area being level with the rest of the head.
 
I've used 2 gaskets, did so on an aluminum Cyclone for many years with no problem. The gaskets were old, copper-jacketed ones. Silver painted on both sides, 1 light coat, dried, then a heavier coat installed when still tacky. Pistons don't normally stick out that far, but you should have .040" clearance when done. The first number on Winfield heads is the original compression ratio.
 
Option; have re-milled to make sure it is flat then have the pop-up area fly cut. I would question that one area where the flycut is missing and maybe along the dark area being level with the rest of the head.

As stated above, cut the relief you need for your engine. Might want to try to get a reading of the thickness of the material in that area first.
 
Since I am an engine builder, I would go a different way. Machine the tops of piston to eliminate protrusion and offset bore the wrist pin bushing in the rod to lower the piston.

One other option since I have a sonic tester is I would measure the thickness of of the chamber roof to see if machining a counterbore is feasible. I kinda doubt it but if so, I would use Dykem on the head and a gasket to lay-out the fire-ring area. Then fab a fixture to hold the head onto a rotary table to remove the counterbore material on a mill.

If that is too extreme, then use a boring head on a vertical mill to machine the perimeter of the counterbore and then follow-up with an end mill to remove the remaining metal. Many ways to do it, and whichever you choose will likely need to be CC-ed afterwards and hand-finished to make all chambers near equal in volume.
 
Thanks for all of your opinions. Brent and Jim how much clearance is required and how much variation between holes is acceptable?
 
Thanks for all of your opinions. Brent and Jim how much clearance is required and how much variation between holes is acceptable?

RE - READ Jim B response !
He also gave you simple remedy, I. E.- 2 gaskets !

I’ve done it his way, and I’ve cut piston tops necessary amount for clearance to fit your situation Both work.

Stock Ford piston popup is near .034.

Unless you are building high tech/power engine, no use complicating a situation...with expensive machining operations, disassembly/reassembly, etc.
 
Ross will make pistons with any pop up you want..kill all kinds of birds with that stone..fresh bore,thinner rings you name it..
 
Back
Top