Re: Water flow in the Mopar 340 block?
[Re: AndyF]
#517476
11/06/09 12:19 PM
11/06/09 12:19 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,982
Ansonia, CT
CJK440
master
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master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,982
Ansonia, CT
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You are right, plug it.
Either method is acceptable. On my last motor the copper gaskets had a hole there so I installed a pipe plug in the block.
2017 Contusion Blue Challenger T/A 392 M6 "BLKNBLU"
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Re: Water flow in the Mopar 340 block?
[Re: AndyF]
#517479
11/06/09 03:26 PM
11/06/09 03:26 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,547
State College, PA
RyanJ
moparts member
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moparts member
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,547
State College, PA
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Quote:
The Cometic gaskets that I looked at had a water hole at one end and blank on the other end. There weren't any instructions but I assume the blank end goes to the front to block off the water hole. Wonder how many guys install them wrong and have cooling issues?
Again, it's not a Big block.... SB's have offset dowel pins.... it's impossible to put them on wrong unless gasket was machined incorrectly. 
I just went & looked through every old composite head gasket I have here, Fel Pro's, MP, ROL etc & see none with water holes open on both ends. Not saying they don't exist, but whatever brand it is is an oddball.
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Re: Water flow in the Mopar 340 block?
[Re: AndyF]
#517484
11/08/09 04:27 PM
11/08/09 04:27 PM
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,025
Las Vegas, NV
dodgeboy11
super stock
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super stock
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,025
Las Vegas, NV
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Quote:
A small hole there makes sense to me, what I don't understand is why is there a big hole in the block if that isn't a good design. Or if the engineer wants that hole to be plugged why don't they come drilled and tapped for pipe plugs.
Alternatively, if a small hole is the correct way to go then the head gasket would also need to have a small hole in it.
It's cheaper to make a gasket with no hole. You need to think about how the water system works on a small mopar, or any engine that waters the block before the heads. The cool water goes into the front of the block and circulates around the cylinders. Small holes allow some cooler water to transfer up to the heads starting around the front two cylinders, but the large hole in the back allows the majority of the water through to the heads. The water then transfers through the heads forward to the t-stat in the manifold and out to the radiator. If the big hole were left open it would not transfer much heat out and the engine could overheat. The reason some put large plugs in there is to help strengthen the deck and keep the head gasket in place better. Block needs to be decked though. The magnum blocks do not have this hole in them to worry about.
Next thing on my todo list is to engineer a way to water the heads first. Going to require external lines, but it'll be worth it.
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Re: Water flow in the Mopar 340 block?
[Re: dodgeboy11]
#517486
11/10/09 06:50 PM
11/10/09 06:50 PM
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,776
Ontario Canada
MattW
master
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master
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,776
Ontario Canada
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Quote:
Quote:
A small hole there makes sense to me, what I don't understand is why is there a big hole in the block if that isn't a good design. Or if the engineer wants that hole to be plugged why don't they come drilled and tapped for pipe plugs.
Alternatively, if a small hole is the correct way to go then the head gasket would also need to have a small hole in it.
It's cheaper to make a gasket with no hole. You need to think about how the water system works on a small mopar, or any engine that waters the block before the heads. The cool water goes into the front of the block and circulates around the cylinders. Small holes allow some cooler water to transfer up to the heads starting around the front two cylinders, but the large hole in the back allows the majority of the water through to the heads. The water then transfers through the heads forward to the t-stat in the manifold and out to the radiator. If the big hole were left open it would not transfer much heat out and the engine could overheat. The reason some put large plugs in there is to help strengthen the deck and keep the head gasket in place better. Block needs to be decked though. The magnum blocks do not have this hole in them to worry about.
Next thing on my todo list is to engineer a way to water the heads first. Going to require external lines, but it'll be worth it.
There is an excellent arcticle over at moparchat.com about circle track cooling a smallblock mopar. I believe it was written by a member here. I think 40ford is the fellow.
Anyway's Ryan put together an R3 with this type of cooling and I think he had a hard time getting the motor to heat up.LOL Matt
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