The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Cylinder Head Puzzle...

I have a 1951 235 block with casting number 3692703. The Stovebolt casting page says it's a passenger powerglide. My head has the casting number 3835909. Two heads match with my block, the above mentioned 3835909 and casting 3835499. When I went change the head gasket, I noticed two water port holes on the head (between the second and third spark plug and fourth and fifth spark plug) that aren't on the head gasket or block. The whole setup is in a '46 2 ton, so I know many things have been swapped. My question is: is there a difference between the head with casting number 3835909 and 3835499? Is one meant for the truck block and one for the passenger block? I'm rebuilding the whole thing, so the new head gasket isn't due to gasket failure. What's the difference between engines equipped with powerglide and truck engines (besides the actual transmission itself). Thanks, guys...

I know the later powerglides were drilled for hydraulic lifters and the truck blocks typically were not.

I haven't checked as I'm in a hurry to leave but what comes to mind is the possibility of a 261 head - steam holes?

I believe the holes you are looking at were for removing the casting core sand similar to the "frost plug" holes on the block and are intended to be sealed off by the gasket. Are you saying one of these heads has the holes and the other does not?

1950-52 Truck 235
block casting 3692703
w/ head casting 3835909 or 3835499

1950-52 Passenger 235 - Hyd. Cam
had a different block
but used the same head casting as truck 3835909 or 3835499

Head Casting 3835499 is also listed for the 261.

For the 261, part # 3703569

and the 1950-52 235, part # 3835545

Same casting #, two different heads....

Thanks, guys! I was assuming the two holes were water, but casting core holes sounds about right. Just worried me and I wanted to double check...