I put a new carb (Edelbrock 750) on my 460. The gasket that came with it was the kind that has the four individual holes cut in it. The intake is a Performer RPM, which has a square bore. Well, not thinking about it, I put it on. Turns out I had to remove the carb for some reason and found the center of the gasket, about 1 inch squared, was gone. I can't see it and was wondering if it was even worth taking the intake off to try to find it. If it got sucked into the cylinder it would have surely gotten burned up wouldn't you think? Does anyone have any opinions? Thanks

Jer
79 F150 4x4
460/c6

 

I almost did the same thing once, but at the last second I noticed it and cut out the center. I wouldn't worry about it, if you have not noticed anything wrong with the engine by now it probably barfed it out already.

 

Might want to try a small hose on the end of a vacuum, suck around inside the intake and down into the head(if you can) in case any larger pieces are still stuck in there(make sure no fuel is present!). Agree that if it's still runnin' good, most likely won't do any damage, just don't want to get anything stuck in between the exhaust valve and seat, might cause some burning of the valve and shorten it's life. If any gets caught between the intake valve and seat it may give a backfire or two until it works it's way thru or burns up.

 

I know exactly what you guys are talking about.
Fortunately I noticed this before installing the gasket and cut it to match the intake. Edelbrock should provide the correct gasket with the intake or at least say something about it in the instructions.

DannyP
89 F-150 4x4 former EFI I-6 now carbed 351W, Edelbrock heads,cam,intake,carb.
MSD 6A, ZF, Sterling 10.25 with 3.55L's.