MTFCA Forum

Ok, I moved from Texas to Ohio and wasn't prepared for the cold winter storm...yes, my head cracked. Many of the purest may have noticed, I swapped a 1926 engine into my 1916. Forgive me, I'm old (not wise) and prefer to use a starter. However, I still have the original 16 motor.

So, here's my question, Can I use the 16 head on the 26 block? And then explore if there's other damage.

Ouch !!!! Hopefully the head let go before causing "block" issues. Low head can replace a high head - only the water outlet is different.

You can do that, but be sure you use the proper coolant for your climate.
Norm

Thanks Guys, Lesson learnt...

I would be really surprised if that is the only damage!
First check out the radiator. Any water still left in it?
Drain the oil and see if there is water down there.

..... danged waterpump blowed out the cylinder head!

Water is only an acceptable coolant if one wishes to make Model T engines scarcer. So many blocks/heads have been lost to rust when there is absolutely no reason, since coolant has been available for decades that all but eliminate rust in water jackets.

As others have said, I hope a head is all you lost but am not holding my breath.

And when you replace the cracked high head with the ‘16 low head you’re supposed to get 2 more horsepower but you’ll also need to replace the head bolts with the earlier shorter variety. Might as well run a tap on those threads and blow out the holes.....Then come home to Texas

Have a look at the bottom of your lower radiator tank to see if it's bulged. A sign that it got frozen too.

Jerry, several posters have given you some good advice so far I’ll attempt to add to it.
1-Use the bolts that you will remove from the low head on your 1916 engine
2- if you have domed pistons in the engine with the cracked head (by the way an easy repair) you will need to see if you have clearance in the combustion chamber of the low head
3- you may be able to reuse the head gasket that is on the engine that has the cracked head

Hope it helps, good luck! Best John

if you are in Ohio, I have some heads on the shelf.

Check the front and sides of the block real close. JB weld can fix a lot since it has no pressure on any of it.