52 Carl None of my 3 OK engines has those hi-powered seals a 216,235 dipper,235 full pressure,they don,t smoke. All3 do get rid of some oil over time just my DD gets run at hiway speed a lot in the 51 6400 pickup, it has all -.002 bearings and keeps the 30 pound original dash gage pegged year round. Only one I've ever seen do that. In your case would put the head back like it came out originally,that might take valve seats,which I know are dangerous in that they can come out and kill your engine but when the seats are deep,the valve springs are weakened,then you shim. We all need a good bronze-wall machine shop !! When I done that for real was about 22 years old,the old mechanics wouldn't trust me,young racers trusted my sleeve and valve work and we had a pretty good circle track ! Ordinary domestic work I had plenty of valve,bore,hot tank,piston work. One other thing those tight seals were to keep oil out of high compression cylinders to prevent detonation,you don't have much problem there. My .02 cents On your 56 head ,not long ago I drove fresh guides in a similar head worked fine,I guess bronze walls would be the safest for your old casting there. Just saw your head was a 56 848.
Last edited by fixite7; 06/01/2023 12:34 PM.
