Head gaskets for 40 ford
 

I have a 1940 Ford ForDor Deluxe with the 221 cu. in. 24 stud V8 engine.

The engine is at the machine shop now. The cylinders have been bored out from the stock 3-1/16 in. bore (sleeved to that dimension) to 3-3/16 in.

I purchased a Best Gasket Engine Rebuilding Set (RS 505 C) from CW Moss.

I took the copper head gaskets that are in that rebuilding set into the machine shop to check the fit and the machinist is concerned about the small amount of copper head gasket that extends into the bore.

I'm looking for advice as to what gaskets might give us a better fit.

Would head gaskets that are meant for a later model 239 cu. in. engine work?

Re: Head gaskets for 40 ford
 

I THINK that is a 38-42 set for the small bore and yes you need it for the 45-48 engine.

Re: Head gaskets for 40 ford
 

Thanks for the input so far. I'm sort of picky, so please bear with me.

Please see the attached photos. The 5060 file is a photo of the 505C gasket from Best Gasket that is for the original 3-1/16 inch bore 24 stud engine (38-42 85-90 HP).

The 5062 file is a photo of the 511C gasket from Best Gasket that is for the 3-3/16 inch bore 24 stud engine (45-48 239 Flathead 59A Std-Bore).

There is quite a bit of difference between the openings in the gaskets for coolant flow. See any problems with either mating up between the block and heads, or coolant flow?

Re: Head gaskets for 40 ford
 

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...4&d=1774393516

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...5&d=1774393516

Re: Head gaskets for 40 ford
 

Hey pethoovie, I'm only seeing my last post quoted in your post.

Do you have any words of wisdom to share with me that i just am not seeing?

Re: Head gaskets for 40 ford
 

and "Would head gaskets that are meant for a later model 239 cu. in. engine work?"

Yes, you need the later gaskets for a 239CI

Pete was just enlarging your gasket pictures.

Re: Head gaskets for 40 ford
 

My apologies to Pete for shorting him an "e" in his User Name.

That's a lot of info in the two articles that you attached. It will take me a while to get thru all of that.

It looks like the bottom line is that I need to go with the 239 gaskets. I would have liked to hear more on the coolant passage issue.

Thanks again to all.

Re: Head gaskets for 40 ford
 

Regarding the gasket coolant holes, they were Ford design changes to address overheating complaints on the earlier blocks. The larger block holes may have improved removal of sand whereas the smaller gasket holes, controlled coolant distribution in the block. Below are a couple of pertinent AI search results.

"The small top water holes in 59A Flathead head gaskets are intentionally designed to restrict flow and force coolant to travel to the rear of the engine rather than taking the path of least resistance straight out of the front cylinders. If these holes were enlarged or if large holes were used, the coolant would bypass the rear cylinders, causing them to overheat due to insufficient cooling.

Flow Distribution: The gasket acts as a metering device, using smaller holes at the front to encourage water to circulate further back where it is needed most.
Prevention of Shortcuts: Larger holes at the front would create a "shortcut," allowing coolant to return to the radiator too quickly without absorbing enough heat from the entire engine block.
Manufacturing Necessity: Engine blocks are sand-cast with larger holes to allow sand to be removed during casting; the gasket's smaller holes correct this to ensure proper flow patterns.
Using the correct small-hole gasket (such as the FP7283B or equivalent) is critical for the 59A engine, as modifying the holes or using a gasket with larger holes can lead to gasket failure and severe overheating"

"The 59A-B head gasket for Ford Flathead engines uses round holes in the center because this configuration was the design point for controlling water flow distribution, specifically to send more coolant to the back of the engine for better cooling efficiency.

According to Ford technical guidance and forum consensus, the gasket holes are intentionally sized and shaped to restrict flow rather than match the larger casting holes in the block, which are primarily for removing sand during manufacturing. Using the all-round hole version (as opposed to the earlier trapezoidal holes used on 1938-42 heads) ensures that coolant travels the full length of the block before entering the heads, preventing "shortcutting" where water would rise immediately at the front and leave rear cylinders overheated.

Flow Direction: The restricted round holes force water to flow rearward through the block, up into the heads, and forward to the thermostat.
Manufacturing vs. Design: Large holes in the engine block and heads are often casting sand removal holes that are bigger than necessary for cooling; the gasket holes are smaller to meter the flow correctly.
Recommendation: Experts advise not drilling or enlarging these holes, as doing so would bypass the cooling path for the rear cylinders and cause localized overheating. "

Bottom line, use the later 59A gasket for your bored 221CI earlier block.

Re: Head gaskets for 40 ford
 

OK then. You guys have totally knocked the "pickiness" right out of me. On this issue anyway.

That last post is very informative. Had no idea before this point.

Thanks to all who contributed.