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Old 03-15-2018, 09:25 AM   #1
BillCNC
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Default Head Gasket

Hey All,

I'm thinking about changing the head gasket on my engine and the vendors have various ones available. What material is the better choice?

I part from most A guy's as in I absolutely DO NOT want junk parts and I'm willing to open my wallet a little further to get the best parts.

Regards
Bill
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Old 03-15-2018, 09:34 AM   #2
AL in NY
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Default Re: Head Gasket

From what I've been hearing, the best head gasket for the Model A is a "Best" 509g graphite head gasket sold by Bratton's under part number 8081. This gasket is highly recommended by Rich Falluca of Antique Engine Rebuilders (AER).
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Old 03-15-2018, 11:59 AM   #3
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Default Re: Head Gasket

Quote:
Originally Posted by AL in NY View Post
From what I've been hearing, the best head gasket for the Model A is a "Best" 509g graphite head gasket sold by Bratton's under part number 8081. This gasket is highly recommended by Rich Falluca of Antique Engine Rebuilders (AER).
Ditto that. I blew a head gasket last summer and went through the same dilemma as you in selecting a replacement. I have a Snyder 5.5:1 head and the gasket that failed was the "Modern" or "Premium" (Snyder #B-6051-M) described as "a solid steel core sandwiched by heavy-duty high density material coated with silicone..." that needs no sealant. My problem was likely initiated by a wonky stud hole in the cylinder block that allowed seepage and had to be repaired with a helicoil.

The choices for head gaskets seem to be: (a) the silicone "premium" one described; (b) copper outside with a graphite core; or (c) all graphite.

In checking around I called three parts suppliers (including Snyder's) and a couple of knowledgeable mechanics. The majority of them recommended the all-graphite. Even Snyder's told me they have received reports of premature failure of the silicone "premium" head gasket and recommended the "Best" graphite. I asked one mechanic why he preferred the all-graphite over the copper-clad gasket and his reason was that there was a possibility of leakage between the layers (graphite-to-copper). Based on that I installed an all-graphite head gasket. So far, so good (after about 1000 miles).

A couple of other things to consider might be:

(1) once the head is off, let a machinist check it for true and mill it if necessary;

(2) use a head gasket sealant on the new graphite or copper gasket (if one of those is the one you choose);

(3) consider replacing all the head studs and nuts with new ones and give the studs a light coating of anti-seize;

(4) re-torque the head several times after installation (hot and cold);

(5) check your water pump and repair/replace as necessary (I used the opportunity to replace mine with a Rupert "super duty" leakless model);

(6) check the condition of your fan and replace if any cracks.

What I report here has been my experience. Others with more knowledge than me may have different ideas.

Wishing you many happy miles ahead!

Mike in Oregon
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Old 03-18-2018, 11:27 PM   #4
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Default Re: Head Gasket

'29er' seems to have covered most everything I could think of and more. Senior Members have those years of experience that cannot be gained any other way.
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Old 03-15-2018, 10:49 AM   #5
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Default Re: Head Gasket

It seems that everyones' FAVORITE is the one that has worked BEST, for them!
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Old 03-15-2018, 10:59 AM   #6
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I've seen posts about that graphite gasket weeping and staining the engine block. Just FYI.
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Old 03-15-2018, 11:13 AM   #7
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It's OK, if some DISAGREE! We're here to glean facts & make our own decisions. We come here to HELP & to be HELPED! I feel sorry for thin skinned Folks, that get "ticked-off"---If you don't like what I post, DON'T READ IT!!
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Old 03-15-2018, 11:30 AM   #8
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Default Re: Head Gasket

If it is not broken, don't fix it.
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Old 03-15-2018, 12:24 PM   #9
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Default Re: Head Gasket

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Originally Posted by Mikeinnj View Post
If it is not broken, don't fix it.
I think it's just starting to leak, ... I'm getting water droplet's coming from the tail pipe, ... even after the engine has been warmed up, outside temp 73 and the humidity is at 46%.

I'm not getting steam coming from the pipe yet so I think it's still a small leak. I'm going to do a compression check later today.

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Old 03-15-2018, 12:29 PM   #10
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Default Re: Head Gasket

Quote:
Originally Posted by BillCNC View Post
I think it's just starting to leak, ... I'm getting water droplet's coming from the tail pipe, ... even after the engine has been warmed up, outside temp 73 and the humidity is at 46%.

I'm not getting steam coming from the pipe yet so I think it's still a small leak. I'm going to do a compression check later today.

Regatrds
Bill
Do you have to constantly add water to the radiator?
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Old 03-15-2018, 11:36 AM   #11
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Default Re: Head Gasket

You are vague about the need to change your gasket. I would agree that you may open up more than you wish if it is not needed.
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Old 03-16-2018, 08:33 AM   #12
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You are vague about the need to change your gasket. I would agree that you may open up more than you wish if it is not needed.
yup! it took me 3 weeks to get my head off! the studs where stuck to the head
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Old 03-15-2018, 11:42 AM   #13
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Default Re: Head Gasket

I am using tha same head gasket I bought in 1970, looked at it 2 times, put it back, it looked ok, haven't looked at it in 30 years , it is copper/asbestos, with coating of hylomar last time

Why do you think you need to change it?
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Old 03-15-2018, 12:39 PM   #14
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Default Re: Head Gasket

I just completed a complete chassis rebuild and drove the car a few times, about 15 miles total tweaking things as I go. Every time I come back I have water droplets marking the ground.

Water so far is staying put as far as I can tell, I'm still working out the kinks. I have to to wonder if removing and installing the engine (eyelets in #2 & #4 Cyl spark plug holes) and the removal of the engine cable clamp has caused a leak somewhere. I did try to re-torque the head to 55 lbs, but they were already there.

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Old 03-15-2018, 12:50 PM   #15
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Default Re: Head Gasket

Quote:
Originally Posted by BillCNC View Post
I part from most A guy's as in I absolutely DO NOT want junk parts and I'm willing to open my wallet a little further to get the best parts.

Regards
Bill
Seriously??

Quote:
Originally Posted by BillCNC View Post
I did try to re-torque the head to 55 lbs, but they were already there.

Regards
Bill
Did you back them off one at a time ~¼ turn to "break them loose" then retorque to specs? Lower the water level before doing so, "just in case".
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Old 03-15-2018, 01:01 PM   #16
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Default Re: Head Gasket

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ruth View Post

Did you back them off one at a time ~¼ turn to "break them loose" then retorque to specs? Lower the water level before doing so, "just in case".
Um, ... NOPE, ... I'll do that now.

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Bill
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Old 03-15-2018, 01:07 PM   #17
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Default Re: Head Gasket

[QUOTE=Ruth;1605492]Seriously??

As a heart attack.

Seems WAY to many folks on this site are afflicted with Stockholm Syndrome when it comes to these Parts Houses.

I'm just not a subscriber of that mindset.

Regards
Bill
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Old 03-15-2018, 01:37 PM   #18
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Default Re: Head Gasket

[QUOTE=BillCNC;1605499]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ruth View Post
Seriously??

As a heart attack.

Seems WAY to many folks on this site are afflicted with Stockholm Syndrome when it comes to these Parts Houses.

I'm just not a subscriber of that mindset.

Regards
Bill

Hey Bill,
Just suggestions for easy to do check(s)...for gasket water leak.
Start up your engine and run it for very short time. Pull spark plugs..if water on plugs, you have reason for concern.


Also, once in awhile, I remove radiator cap, while engine cold and while running. A bubble check , which may give further evidence or reason for concern. Good luck
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Old 03-15-2018, 01:57 PM   #19
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Default Re: Head Gasket

As Bill W said, It seems that everyones FAVORITE is the one that has worked BEST, for them.

I have a Brumfield 5.9 head and he recommends the Fel-Pro 7013, so that is what I used. It has been in place for at least 10 years with no problems (knock on wood). It is copper clad with composite material in the middle. I sprayed it with Copper spray when I installed it. This is just one more data point for you to consider.

Ken
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Old 03-15-2018, 01:27 PM   #20
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Default Re: Head Gasket

As far as replacing the studs, should I go with the Grade 5 or 8?

I would think 5's would be easier on the block if an issue popped up, but 8's would be stronger with less stretch. I'm currently running a stock head but there is a good chance that I will go to a high compression head at some point in the future. If that's the case, ... should I just go with the 8's?

What are the Stock studs graded at?

Regards
Bill
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