This has the potential of being a controversial topic.

In the performance applications, I go out of my way to use blocks and cylinder heads that do not have the ‘steam’ holes. These additional holes just provide another opportunity for a head gasket failure. To date, I’ve had no issues with any Y blocks or cylinder heads that do not have steam holes as long as the coolant level is always kept full. And I’ve experienced absolutely no differences in engine temperatures with or without the steam holes as the engines run at the thermostat rated temperature in either case. If the coolant level drops significantly, then the steam holes will invariably have some benefit and can potentially delay any ‘cracking’ issues that may surface as a result.

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Even the C2 blocks come with and without the steam holes so Ford was not consistent in their thought process in this regard unless it goes back to the application of the engine whether it was being installed in a car or truck. The ’60-’62 cars had a low profile radiator which could have compounded cooling issues if the coolant was only marginally lower than where it needed to be.

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I’ve gone so far as to have a special run of head gaskets made for the Y that do not have the ‘steam’ holes and with some of the other coolant holes being located further away from the sealing ring. The non-steam hole gaskets are designed to work best on blocks and/or heads that also do not have the coolant holes. If both the heads and blocks have the steam holes, then by all means utilize them. This is just what works for myself so opinions are likey to vary.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

What about the higher performing heads made prior to '62 without the matching holes?  Should they be drilled?   Edit:  Slhould they be drilled if used on the C2AE?

Mike, located in the Siskiyou mountains, Southern, OR 292 powered 1946 Ford 1/2 ton, '62 Mercury Meteor, '55 Country Squire (parting out), '64 Falcon, '54 Ford 600 tractor.

I drilled the holes the same size as the ones in the gasket and the engines seems to run cooler.

-Gary Burnette-

The info I have that the holes are for detonation problems and possible gasket failure due to spot overheating. For those blocks/heads not drilled from the factory, the top or inner (intake side) hole is supposed to be 11/64, the lower or outer (exhaust side) hole 1/4. I don't know what size the factory holes were, I assume they were the same.



All the replacement gaskets are supposed to have the holes in them.

54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

i believe that they are there to cure the blown head gasket problem that used to happen because of the orentation of the exhaust valves. If i remember reading somewhere that john mummert actually drills them bigger to help with the cooling of the exhaust valves on the two center cylinders but i am sure someone will chime in to tell me if i am wrong or not.

The late model Y's have those two extra holes between the center cylinders.  What was their purpose?  They are so small it doesnt seem like they would do much of anything.

Mike, located in the Siskiyou mountains, Southern, OR 292 powered 1946 Ford 1/2 ton, '62 Mercury Meteor, '55 Country Squire (parting out), '64 Falcon, '54 Ford 600 tractor.