Re: IML: 413 engine rebuild 59 Imperial crown

[santiam oregon <santiamoregon@xxxxxxxxx>]

Given that it was common back then to run only water in a coolant system, esp. during warm months or in warm climates, there is somewhat higher chance of block cracks, but

probably only if the car came from somewhere where winter temps dip below 28-30 often. 

Living in Oregon, I have rarely seen a cracked block due to freezing.  Most likely it is a blown headgasket. It doesn't take much and age alone plus worn out antifreeze or water only eats up old headgaskets.  Just about every 60's car I have had I've replaced head gaskets in if they still had factory gaskets.   Those old 413's were pretty well casted engines. Much heavier than later model 440s.  If you had rust, I am guessing it was only in the bores above the pistons where the rings scraped and the oil-free surface could rust.  If just 2 adjoining cyls have rust in the chambers and bores, you are most likely looking at where your gasket ruptured. Gray oil is water+oil mix. 

 

    My hemis have all suffered from water only as coolant and arrived in my shop showing what 40-50 years of that can erode.  

 

Todd

Portland, OR

david carpenter <zirc@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

The car was not submerged, trans fluid ok. I will have an answer on Monday
after the machine shop magnafluxes the heads and block. It could be that the
head gasket separated enough to let in water. I am not experienced in
detecting a blown head gasket. Someone who is said the gaskets appeared to
be intact. I think it might have a very small crack in the block, if
anything. If it does have a small crack what do other members of this club
think about the success of welding such a small crack if it is in a low
stress area? Thanks, David
----- Original Message -----
From: "PAUL WENTINK"
To:
Sent: Saturday, January 19, 2008 9:58 AM
Subject: Re: IML: 413 engine rebuild 59 Imperial crown


> None of the theories that you have surmised are relevant to the 413. If it
> had water in it, there is a crack or had a bad gasket. I live in Seattle
> where we have lots of moisture in the air. Condensation could be your
> problem, but I haven't seen that happen to any of my cars, even if they
> sit for long periods, except possibly just inside the dipstick tube. Was
> you car ever submerged? There should be no rust inside the engine.
>
> Paul W.
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: david carpenter
> To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> Sent: Sat, 19 Jan 2008 6:34 am
> Subject: IML: 413 engine rebuild 59 Imperial crown
>
>
>
> I purchased a 59 Imperial Crown recently that was in great shape except
> for the fact that the engine had water in the oil. We have taken the
> engine apart and the block and heads are at the machine shop being cleaned
> and magna fluxed. So far the gaskets were in good shape and there are no
> apparent cracks. Any ideas on where the water came from? Some have said
> that water could have condensed in the engine. The car sat for 8 years
> without being used in Florida. The engine turned well, but the oil was a
> light grey brown color. There was very little rust inside the engine. Did
> the 413 engine block have any weak spots. I know this was the first year
> for this engine and they were going for a light weight large block engine.
> Are there any design flaws with this engine? Thanks, David Carpenter
>
>
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