jfo1229a

Hi, I'm new to forum and appreciate all advice. I'm Restoring a 1965 mustang coupe with a 1968 302 engine block, as I was rebuilding engine block I noticed a gouge on top of the deck, see attached pic, any advice?
Thanks

67mustang302

Get the block decked to clean it up, or use a head gasket that is tolerant of bad surface finish.

racer_dave

I've fixed them before, but if you aren't good with a welder, don't try it. You have to heat up the section of the block until its cherry red, then weld up the gouges while it's still red hot. Don't add too much material, just enough to get them above the deck height. Let it all cool on its own, do NOT quench it or do anything else to hasten the cooling time(In other words, leave it till the next day). Then go back with a flat machinists file and file down the proud part of the weld. To finish it, use one of the 3m scotchbrite pads on a drill. Use a machinists straight edge often to make sure you're even on the deck surface and not making a low spot.

I've done this a lot, especially on small block Chevy's between the two center cylinders. It's not hard if you're a good welder and are patient.

barnett468

i don't see a prob. the outside gouges are nothing. looks like there might be a divit near the top of the picture. if so just lay the head gasket on it. if it is in a plain area there is no prob.

i hop no one used a scotch brite pad on an air tool to clean the surface.

Boogie's_AutoRama

I'm with barnett, no issue with those two spots.
Just knock any burrs down with a file.

jfo1229a

Thanks for all the good advice, I also don't feel that the gouge is a problem, its not in a area where compression or water can leak. Just needed some confirmation from some Ford guys. Thanks again.