Why This .125-Over Flathead Won’t Seal | Ed Smith w Barry T

A Ford flathead V8 comes into Ed’s shop with a problem, and the investigation quickly uncovers something unusual. This engine has been bored a full .125” over, creating clearance concerns between the cylinders, head gasket, and original-style heads. In this video Ed explains: • Why extreme overbores can create sealing challenges • The relationship between cylinder size and water passage locations • How head gasket dimensions become critical on heavily modified flatheads • Original Ford flathead head design considerations • Why custom gasket selection matters • What happens when components no longer match the engine’s new dimensions • Updates on the engine’s ignition and accessory installation This is a great example of real-world troubleshooting and the kind of unexpected problems that show up long after an engine has been assembled. Chapters 00:00 Customer brings Ed a flathead problem 00:27 Examining the 1940 Ford flathead 00:42 Discovery: .125” overbore 01:04 Original heads and water passage concerns 01:39 Why bore size affects gasket selection 02:03 Calculating cylinder-to-water-passage clearance 02:42 Why sealing becomes a concern 03:22 Possible solutions 03:57 Head gasket comparison and fitment 04:30 Engine update and next steps 05:05 Ignition and alternator installation #BarryTsGarage #FlatheadFord #FordFlathead #EngineBuilding #AskEd #EdSmith #VintageEngines Join this channel to support us:    / @barrytsgarage