Head Gasket Questions
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Duluth, MN
Head Gasket Questions
So I'm putting together an 88 302 out of a Thunderbird. I took the heads off and am replacing the head gaskets. The head gaskets I bought were Fel Pro 9333PT1 from O'Reilly's.
Fel-Pro 9333PT1 - Head Gasket 1988 Ford Thunderbird | O'Reilly Auto Parts
As I was putting the heads back on I noticed that the gaskets only have holes for the coolant passages on the back of the gasket. The block and head have passages open in the front and the gasket is blocking it. The back of the block and heads also have coolant passage holes and the gasket allows them to be open. I guess what I want to hear is that this is normal and that the gasket is SUPPOSED to block these passages on the front of the block.
Another question I have is that the directions state that bolts that thread into coolant passages or by coolant passages have to have sealant on the threads. I was wondering which of these head bolts need this treatment and what exactly I should use.
I hope this is not to confusing. If it is I'll have to get paint shop out and do some more explaining! Thanks for any help in advance!!
Brandon
Fel-Pro 9333PT1 - Head Gasket 1988 Ford Thunderbird | O'Reilly Auto Parts
As I was putting the heads back on I noticed that the gaskets only have holes for the coolant passages on the back of the gasket. The block and head have passages open in the front and the gasket is blocking it. The back of the block and heads also have coolant passage holes and the gasket allows them to be open. I guess what I want to hear is that this is normal and that the gasket is SUPPOSED to block these passages on the front of the block.
Another question I have is that the directions state that bolts that thread into coolant passages or by coolant passages have to have sealant on the threads. I was wondering which of these head bolts need this treatment and what exactly I should use.
I hope this is not to confusing. If it is I'll have to get paint shop out and do some more explaining! Thanks for any help in advance!!
Brandon
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Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Calhoun GA
Yes they are supposed to be blocked. Otherwise water would just flow though to the crossover on the intake and out through the coolant neck which would keep the heads from being cooled properly.
I don't remember which bolts need sealant, but you could put it on all of them and it wont hurt a thing.
I don't remember which bolts need sealant, but you could put it on all of them and it wont hurt a thing.
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Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Duluth, MN
Awesome. Thats the answer I was hoping for. I'll take the flashlight out and see, I don't know if that is the solution though because it has been sitting on the stand for a couple of weeks so I may not be able to tell. Thanks for the help!!
Brandon
Brandon
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Joined: May 2007
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From: British Columbia
I think that all the threaded holes are "blind" i.e. don't go into the water jacket. The gasket instructions are generic and apply to engines that do have head bolt holes that extend into the coolant.
Usually some of the threaded holes are filled with oil or coolant that leaked in from above, so it's difficult to see the bottom. This liquid should be sucked out with a small turkey baster or similar. Otherwise it can hydraulically lock when the bolt is screwed in, giving false torque readings or even splitting the casting. You can check if the holes are blind by poking with a skinny screwdriver.
The head bolts should be lightly coated with engine oil upon reassembly.
Usually some of the threaded holes are filled with oil or coolant that leaked in from above, so it's difficult to see the bottom. This liquid should be sucked out with a small turkey baster or similar. Otherwise it can hydraulically lock when the bolt is screwed in, giving false torque readings or even splitting the casting. You can check if the holes are blind by poking with a skinny screwdriver.
The head bolts should be lightly coated with engine oil upon reassembly.
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