ford 302 had water in the heads

[jp78712]

i was checking out the engine in my new project so i took off the heads. water came pouring out of both heads when i took them off. then i drained the oil and there wasnt water it in, just jet black oil. engine isnt locked up. what should i look for to know if the engines still good?

 

[6BangBronk]

Ford 302 heads have water jackets (tunnels whatever you want to call them) that cross over through the intake manifold usually in the front. Sure it wasn't just coming from the water jackets?
Compression check would tell you if head problems. 2 low compressions side by side usually points to a head gasket. Be sure to clean out those cylinders and blow them out good before putting the heads back on. I even coat mine with tranny fluid if they get wet. I've heard Mystery Oil is the best?

 

[braxton357]

Like he said, sounds normal. Did you drain any coolant before pulling the manifold/heads?

 

[jp78712]

the radiator was empty when i got it... i didnt find any coolant still in it. the only place i found anything was in the heads