FEL-PRO head gaskets block some passages

[Machin_truc_bidule]

Hi, having had some problems with an overheating 351C and identified some water leakage into two cylinders, I'm now well into replacing the head gaskets and fitting new bolts.

So, when I'm now ready to assemble the whole lot again, I notice that both the old and the new gaskets FEL-PROs Permatorque from Federal Mogul Corp block some of the water and oil passages between the head and the engine !!! Could this be a reason why I have experienced a bit hot engine? The compression ratio is high 11:1.

Anyone else experienced the same thing?

Would it be recommended to cut open the gasket where these passages are to let oil and coolant pass? The same question applies to a few other holes where the openings are much smaller than the actual passages.

Or, is it that some smart gasket designer have found out that the engine is better off without these passages?

Any feedback is appreciated !

[Neil O]

My intake manifold gasket was Felpro. It fitted fine, but there are some passages not used on mine anyway, so I had more holes than I needed!

I have a "How to rebuild" book and it says that you should glue the gasket in place, fit the manifold, then remove it again and trim the gasket to suit the openings.
Not sure if head gaskets are the same process, I've not had to do one.......yet.

[Machin_truc_bidule]

Thanks, I'm as well one of these lucky Crendon owners

Not sure it will be so easy to make any new holes at all. These are extremely hard, possibly with layered metal sheets. Anyhow, I can always try on my old ones.

[dingocooke]

for a 351c there is a common tip of opening the gasket holes at the water passages, Toim Monroe covered it; if you like I can scan the relevant page?

[Machin_truc_bidule]

Originally Posted by dingocooke

for a 351c there is a common tip of opening the gasket holes at the water passages, Toim Monroe covered it; if you like I can scan the relevant page?

I have Toms book "How to rebuild Ford V8 engines". Are you refering to the same? What page? It would be super if you could scan it ! For me and any other reader of this thread.

Thanks!

[dingocooke]

My mistake it wasnt in the Tom Monroe book, but here you go, (apologies for the wobbly scan) the top pic is from Pat Ganahl's book; of the mod as used by Gap and Rousch, Hank the Crank et al, the bottom one is the same mod, as used by Bud Moore, Reed etc.
Everyone says it improves cooling; although that is not a Cleveland weakness even if the block is grouted. The biggest problem with cleveland overheating is using a Windsor stat, or a cleveland stat with no restrictor (or no stat at all even worse) because without the correct stat, coolant just circulates and doesnt go through the block properly.
I can list the correct stat and restrictor if you need it.

(Edit-Correct thermostat Robert Shaw number 333 plus restrictor plate Ford part No DOAZ-8K517-A Summit do both)

Steve

[Neil O]

Now do you guys see why my "helpful" posts are so few and far between?

Basically, it's because I don't know enough/anything.

[dingocooke]

Originally Posted by Neil O

Now do you guys see why my "helpful" posts are so few and far between?

Basically, it's because I don't know enough/anything.

...we didnt like to say.....anyway save it because its a great reply for when somebody posts 'whats the easy way to port match my inlet manifold to my heads'

[Machin_truc_bidule]

Excellent info! I was told by the previous owner that the engine had a tendency to overheat. It showed he was not using any thermostat at all. However the restrictor plate was correctly in place. I have fitted a new stat - Cleveland type. Will also run some cleaner through the cooling system, just in case.

Leaving for the garage ...

[Machin_truc_bidule]

Originally Posted by Neil O

Now do you guys see why my "helpful" posts are so few and far between?

No, your wrong Neil. You actually reminded me of the header gaskets. I will polish off some of the extra gasket to allow for a better flow of the fumes. Having spent some questionable money isolating the headers with insulating tape (for the temp and possibly more power), It would be silly not to reduce the airflow friction.
Cheers !