Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

Stick your fingers in the hole for the rear freeze plug is and you'll see what I'm talking about.

And, I never said it was anywhere NEAR an oil galley. Jack asked me about casting flaws, and this is what I posted. This is another example of people reading more into my posts than there really is.

I can't help it if i'm slow.

I went and looked at it again. But i'm looking ata 56 352 block. I just don't see any thin spot. Maybe it was corrected on the 56 blocks.

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Keith, that HAS to be the funniest thing I've read on here in a long time, ever since Mal's doctor visit!

Looking at it won't cut it, you actually have to put your fingers INSIDE the freeze plug hole and feel around towards the bottom rear of the hole. That's where it's at, right where the bottom of the water jacket meets the outside cast iron wall.

ok. I'll go look again. Thanks

I have another complete block i'll check too just as soon as i can find it.

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Here's some pics of the area that I'm talking about. Keith, you owe my wife an explanation as to why I was out in the garage at 10:30 pm hammering out a freeze plug for you, she doesn't believe me!

Now, the spot on this '56 374 block isn't anywhere near as thin as it was on my two 320s, but it is a small depression that can be felt. Now, it may not necessarily be a casting flaw at all, but was caused by cavitation. Ford Diesel V8's were notorious for cavitation causing thin spots in the casting walls.

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It would be right forward of where that reinforcing rib would be. And looking at your pics, I don't see it on yours, so it may be cavitation instead of a casting flaw.

ok. Thanks. I'll check my other block too. I just can't find it rite now.

Either way, it's good to know. We can be on the look for the thin spot across other blocks. No doubt, it will show up.

It's thinnest on 320's, I don't know if it's just a 320 issue or not. The area IS thicker on the 374, so they may have been aware of it and fixed it. If I didn't know any better, I'd say that it's a round bolt head from the inside forms, but I don't know if they used one there. That's what it feels like though, a rounded indentation in the inner side of the coolant wall.