modifying head gaskets
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2005
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modifying head gaskets
was thinking about opening up the holes for the water passages on my new head gaskets for my 90 351w. has any one ever heard of doing this. basically making them match the openings in the block and head. just curiose if it would make a difference or not. also any advice on getting the broke intake bolts out of the front and rear of the heads ........
..........thanks eddie
..........thanks eddie
Hotshot
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 12,170
Likes: 5
From: The hills of No. Calif.
Best to leave the gaskets alone. They are designed to have a certain amount of restriction in the proper places, sort of like the restriction from the thermostat. The flow of coolant needs to be a bit slower in some places to absorb more heat.
I do recall certain gasket modifications quite a few years back, which consisted only of drilling about an 1/8" hole in a certain spot but I don't believe anyone recommends that modification any longer.
There are quite a few methods for removing broken bolts. I usually wind up drilling them out, being careful to center a small drill as precisely as possible and then increasing the size of the drill bit till it's just touching the threads. Then it's easy to peel out the bits that are left. I've had moderate results with EZ-outs.
My co-worker places a nut over the broken bolt/stud and then arc welds through the center of the nut, welding it to the broken bolt. The heat loosens it up and he just unscrews it, works for him every time. (He's a better welder than I am!)
I do recall certain gasket modifications quite a few years back, which consisted only of drilling about an 1/8" hole in a certain spot but I don't believe anyone recommends that modification any longer.
There are quite a few methods for removing broken bolts. I usually wind up drilling them out, being careful to center a small drill as precisely as possible and then increasing the size of the drill bit till it's just touching the threads. Then it's easy to peel out the bits that are left. I've had moderate results with EZ-outs.
My co-worker places a nut over the broken bolt/stud and then arc welds through the center of the nut, welding it to the broken bolt. The heat loosens it up and he just unscrews it, works for him every time. (He's a better welder than I am!)
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,956
Likes: 6
From: Abilene, Texas
To get broken bolts out I always use extractor sets. You can drill a hole in the middle of the bolt then tap in a extractor and it will normally screw out. If that dosent work I do what dan said and drill them out. GL
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Gasket
cool i figured they made the opennings a certain size for a reason.id hate to ruin a new set of felpros .has anyne ever figured out why the 302/351's front intake bolts corrode like they do this is the 5th small block ive seen like this. are there any bolts i can use that wont corrode again .maybe stainless? any suggestions.....eddie
also should i get new head bolts or are these reusable. an old timer told me to grease the bolts when i reinstall them.
. are there any bolts i can use that wont corrode again .maybe stainless? any suggestions.....eddiealso should i get new head bolts or are these reusable. an old timer told me to grease the bolts when i reinstall them.
Last edited by the glassman; Nov 3, 2005 at 07:04 AM.
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,956
Likes: 6
From: Abilene, Texas
I like to put new bolts on when reinstalling head bolts. They dont cost too much, and I just feel more confident. I read one time something about the bolts, once torqued to specs, streatch some what so they are not reusible. I dont know if this applys to yours or not, but I would put in new ones just to be on the safe side. GL
Hotshot
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 12,170
Likes: 5
From: The hills of No. Calif.
Intake manifold bolts are re-useable, but the stainless isn't a bad idea, Eddie. I won't re-use rusted/corroded ones. There's usually some seepage around the gasket as an engine ages. The timing cover is also a problem area. A little sealer on the threads on any bolt that goes into a water jacket rather than bottoming out can be a big help.
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