Starting a Riley Two Port Model A Engine for first time

I just replaced the stock Model A Ford Engine in my 1930 Pickup with an inserted presurized balanced Model A Ford Engine topped with a Charlie Yapp 7:1 CR Riley Two Port OHV Head. All was going well with setting the valaves, setting the timeing until this morning. I began to fill the radiator with 3 distilled water for the inital start up. After 2 gallons went in I heard dripping and it was coming from between the head and the block on the drivers side just above the water inlet. It is just a drip in 4-5 places.

My question is:

Do I continued with filling the radiator and start the engine with the drips ***uming as the engine heats up it will allow the head gasket to seal?

The head gasket is a solid copper gasket and the head has been torqued to 65 ft-lbs dry so far.

In looking throught he spark plug holes, the cylinders look dry and a long Q-tip pocked into each spark plug hole also come out dry.

Any advice or comments appreciated.

Dave

 

Not an expert on the engine, my first concern is water in the oil.

 

Did you use spray on copper coat on the gasket? & if so, did you get any runs in it? Was block & head checked for flatness?

 

I did the samething check your oil and see if ya have water in it if so drain oil. i cranked mine and it sealed.

 

That ****s! You'll get it sorted though. Have you posted this question on The Ford Barn?

 

A friend in Alexandria Mn built my "B" engine and it works great. He is a genius with these engines and I'm sure he could help. If you haven't solved your problem yet, send me a private message and I will give you his phone no.
All the best, Ron