"Problem 1:
The re-builder removed the "plug" in the middle-top of the coil-side of the "848" head (the hole some people run an external oil line from the other side of the block, in order to get more oil to the rocker arm assembly). I did not notice it missing until we spun the oil pump and oil came out the small hole. The odd thing is that the hole is smaller diameter than on any of my 1954 235 heads AND it is not threaded. It looks like some sort of plug must have been in there."
All of you were correct regarding a threaded plug in the middle of the coil side of the head. The "non-threaded smaller diameter hole on my 1958 "848" head was the remainder of the "hollow" brass plug. Someone must have tried to remove that plug and broke the head off of the plug, leaving a smooth bore, smaller diameter "hole".
I got the hollow piece of the brass plug out with an easy-out. A new threaded brass plug in now in that hole.
"Problem 2
My torque-tube bell will not slide back on the torque-tube."
I am still working on the end of the torque tube with emery abrasive strips. The bell will now go back about two inches. The "high" part of the torque tube is about 1" back - above the bushing/bearing. Maybe the bushing/bearing failed and the heat distorted the tube around the bad bushing/bearing? (just a WAG).
I have honed the inside of the ball/bell cover - it is not distorted. I have two spare ball/bell covers and I might have a machine shop hone out the interior of one (in small increments).
