#54 hemi block deck-Dowels or no?

I have a 354 hemi and I am not sure if these are old dowel pins or just water marks from the underside of the head and gasket. The holes are the mirror image of the rear of the block and the heads have a hole to mate with these locations which maybe the source that created the situation.

Any help?

 

The top ones are dowels and should be put back in

 

Yes ,those are dowel holes and should be in place. Be aware there were size differences from early to late but I believe hotheads sells a stepped dowel to deal with that issue.

 

Yes the top corner is a dowel but these other 2 spots 1 between the head bolt and pushrod hole and 1 directly above the lower corner head bolt appear to be plugged holes? This is a truck block and I wanted to make sure if I need to unplug the holes or if it is something else. You have to look close and you will see the pock marks and staining in the picture. Thanks for the help

 

They are not plugged holes. Just pitted from the water in the head. Nothing to worry about.

 

I think those are just corrosion spots from having an extra hole in the head gaskets... I don't believe they were holes...

I'll look at one of my blocks to verify.

Truck blocks are not as exotic as some sources would have you believe (PAW for one)... most are the same as p***enger car blocks... the heads did have a different heat riser p***age...

 

Here ya go....

 

Water from the extra gasket holes makes sense. I appreciate everyones help. I'll gets some dowels and put the heads on.