| Source for better than stock head gasket [message #210224] |
Fri, 07 June 2013 15:21  |
kerry pinkerton
Messages: 2565
Registered: July 2012
Location: Harvest, Al
Karma: 15
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Senior Member |
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Applied doesn't show a head gasket. The GMCMI list shows a stock type Felpro and NAPA but my engine guy want's a better gasket. Any sources or recommendations?
Kerry Pinkerton - North Alabama
Had 5 over the years. Currently have a '06 Fleetwood Discovery 39L
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| Re: [GMCnet] Source for better than stock head gasket [message #210241 is a reply to message #210224] |
Fri, 07 June 2013 18:51  |
James Hupy
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
Karma: -62
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Senior Member |
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Kerry, I have always used Fel Pro BLUE PERMATORQUE head gaskets on the 455.
The steel ones that the factory fitted on some engines have had a problem
of rusting out and leaking every which way it is possible. The blue gaskets
have never given me a problem and I have built many engines over the years.
I use a precision straightedge on both the block and heads. I then spray a
couple of wet coats of aluminum paint on both surfaces. While still wet, I
put the gasket in place, carefully lower the head onto the alignment dowels
near the intake valley, put the head fasteners in after lubricating them
with engine oil. Torque to 50% of final torque using Oldsmobile's
recommended torque sequence, then 75%, and finally 100%. I never touch them
after that and have never had a problem with head gaskets. Other stuff,
yes, but not gaskets. I always wire wheel the head bolts and chase the
block threads with a plug tap. Follow that with compressed air. You can't
be too clean here. JWID.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Or
78 Gmc Royale 403
On Jun 7, 2013 1:22 PM, "Kerry Pinkerton" <Pinkertonk@mchsi.com> wrote:
>
>
> Applied doesn't show a head gasket. The GMCMI list shows a stock type
> Felpro and NAPA but my engine guy want's a better gasket. Any sources or
> recommendations?
> --
> Kerry Pinkerton
>
> North Alabama, near Huntsville,
>
> 77 Eleganza II, "The Lady", 403CI, also a 76 Eleganza being re-bodied as
> an Art Deco car hauler
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
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| Re: Source for better than stock head gasket [message #210309 is a reply to message #210224] |
Sat, 08 June 2013 08:06 |
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Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
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| Kerry Pinkerton wrote on Fri, 07 June 2013 16:21 |
Applied doesn't show a head gasket. The GMCMI list shows a stock type Felpro and NAPA but my engine guy want's a better gasket. Any sources or recommendations?
|
Kerry,
I have now been out of the engine gasket business for more than a decade, but one thing I can still tell you is that there is no one best head gasket. Trust me on this. With many engine parts there is a so called "Golden" part. This is what qualifies as a "Bar Cost Best Fix". In short, if that doesn't work, nothing else will. Well, I spent 25 years looking for that golden head gasket and I am convinced that it does not exist.
What is best is very dependent on the base castings and the engine service. An embossed steel shim (the precursor to the multi-layer) is an effective part if A-the castings are up to the load and B-there is lot a of thermal cycling to accommodate.
My personal favorite for composite body gaskets is graphite with stainless combustion fire rings. This was what I used to supply to NASCAR builders to use when a Fel-pro wire ring had cut the head and/or block and they did not want to scrap the engine.
Unfortunately, I have avoided finding out what is currently available. McCord is gone, Fel-pro has been sold, none of the people that knew are still where they can be any help.
Good luck
Matt
Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
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| Re: [GMCnet] Source for better than stock head gasket [message #210776 is a reply to message #210224] |
Wed, 12 June 2013 07:52 |
Jim Miller
Messages: 501
Registered: March 2008
Karma: 10
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Senior Member |
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On Jun 7, 2013, at 4:21 PM, Kerry Pinkerton wrote:
> Applied doesn't show a head gasket. The GMCMI list shows a stock type Felpro and NAPA but my engine guy want's a better gasket. Any sources or recommendations?
Hi Kerry,
I used Fel-Pro 1155, bought from Amazon. Summit and Jegs also have them. I had the heads shaved to account for the increased thickness of the 1155 compared to the stock steel-shim gasket.
--Jim Miller
1977 Eleganza II
1977 Royale
Hamilton, OH
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Jim Miller
1977 Eleganza II
1977 Royale
Hamilton, OH
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