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1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Fat Fendered and Classic Ford Trucks

Flathead Head gaskets

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Old Aug 26, 2018 | 02:51 PM
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Mrln45
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Flathead Head gaskets

i got a set of head gaskets, but some of the water passages aren’t the same size or some seem to be missing. I was thinking of trimming the gasket to match the holes. If I leave the gasket as is, I would think it would affect the water flow. Or should I install them as they are?

Gasket and head
 
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Old Aug 26, 2018 | 04:35 PM
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ALBUQ F-1
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The design of the holes in the HG's is intended to restrict flow from some areas of the block, and encourage it to go thru other areas. I would not modify the gaskets. Who made the gaskets? Do you have a part number? That appears to be either a Victor Reinz or Best Gasket product?
 
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Old Aug 26, 2018 | 05:10 PM
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Originally Posted by ALBUQ F-1
The design of the holes in the HG's is intended to restrict flow from some areas of the block, and encourage it to go thru other areas. I would not modify the gaskets. Who made the gaskets? Do you have a part number? That appears to be either a Victor Reinz or Best Gasket product?
They’re Fel-pro
 
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Old Aug 27, 2018 | 06:18 AM
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I have the same gaskets, better leave them alone.
If you enlargen the holes, the major part of the coolant will take the shortest way out of the block back to the radiator. Your cylinders in the back may overheat if you insist to try your luck. Just like Ross said.
 
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Old Aug 27, 2018 | 01:48 PM
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I can see your point. I’ll leave the gaskets the way they are. I’m guessing the gasket designer figured that configuration works better than the original Ford design. I was concerned the constant exposure to the hot coolant might eventually have an effect on the gasket material and break it down to cause it to get into the block. What do y’all think about coating the gaskets with the Permatex Aviation “Form a Gasket” before installing? Or is it better to just install them with nothing on them?
 
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Old Aug 27, 2018 | 03:37 PM
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If your block and head surfaces are clean and flat, no need for anything. These are the recommendations for Best Graphtite and FelPro head gaskets.
Note that FelPro PermaTorque gaskets are blue; yours are not. Be sure to re-torque your heads after getting it fully warmed up, as many times as needed until the bolts stay at 50 ft-lbs. (Re-torque when cooled back down)
 
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Old Aug 27, 2018 | 03:51 PM
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[QUOTE=ALBUQ F-1;18162530]If your block and head surfaces are clean and flat, no need for anything. These are the recommendations for Best Graphtite and FelPro head gaskets.
Note that FelPro PermaTorque gaskets are blue; yours are not. Be sure to re-torque your heads after getting it fully warmed up, as many times as needed until the bolts stay at 50 ft-lbs. (Re-torque when cooled back down)

Will do. Thank you
 
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