Technical Testing for cracked head

So I have a unique situation. Ive been working on a friend's 57 ford fairlane barn find and got it run. The water pump is seized. His aunt said that she remembers something about there being a cracked head on the car or possibly a blown head gasket 30 years ago. Is there any way to get an accurate test without being having a working coolant system or without being able to get it to running temp? Thanks guys

 

is/was there water in the sump, is there oily slime in the radiator? have you done a compression test? was it seized when you first tried it? (it probably would be if water was getting in and it was left to sit) replace the water pump and run it up to temp/pressure see what happens or pull it apart and look inside

 

you can pull the plugs and pressurized the cooling system with air to (15-20 pounds max ) make sure it has a gauge ( disconnect the radiator and heater core to seperate them from the pressure and possibly failing them ) and plug the engine water ports ( rubber caps and double clamps ) and it will push the water out the plug holes or develop a pressure loss on the gauge or never be able to build pressure on the system ,
if the water pump is replaced , bubbling in the coolant is a sign of blown gasket or cracked head once its warmed up ( thermostat opens and coolant starts flowing )
they do sell a kit http://www.lislecorp.com/divisions/products/?product=406 to check for cracked heads and gaskets but the engine has to heat up to use it and if there is any oil in coolant system it will test positive .

 

I wouldn't put too much stock in what anybody said. Any time I buy an old car they tell me something about it, and are practically never right. You can check for water in the oil etc but if it was me I would get it running and see what happens. Then do my own diagnosis.

 

X2

 

Pull the dip stick,that should tell the tale. HRP

 

If I read your right, you did get it to run. Go to oriellys and get there cooling system test pumpup tool (they have one in loaner tool program it is free to use) pull the plugs, fill the cooling system. Preasurise it and see if it hold preasure, if notbsee where you get water comung from. Plug hole, head, block.