The Ford Barn

Rudolph · 05-31-2022, 12:29 AM

When buying head gaskets especially side valve gaskets check how the fire rings are formed, this is a kohler gasket but when I was choosing Ford gaskets I saw the same problem with some Indian made gaskets, the creased fire ring caused an un stoppable gas leak.

petehoovie · 05-31-2022, 12:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rudolph

When buying head gaskets especially side valve gaskets check how the fire rings are formed, this is a kohler gasket but when I was choosing Ford gaskets I saw the same problem with some Indian made gaskets, the creased fire ring caused an un stoppable gas leak.

Lawrie · 05-31-2022, 12:59 AM

I only use best gaskets.
Lawrie

deuce lover · 05-31-2022, 01:03 AM

Always purchase from a reputable vendor. When you live far (like me) from the vendors and can't buy over the counter its not easy.Follow Lawrie's suggestion.

Charlie ny · 05-31-2022, 06:37 AM

Can't imagine using anything but BEST GASKETS always quick service from VanPelt.
Usually get to say Hi to Shelly VanPelt....the Model A lady......
Charlie ny

mfirth · 05-31-2022, 07:00 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Best & Fel-pro have been good to me.

Mart · 05-31-2022, 07:07 AM

I had a bad experience with a Best big bore gasket. The intermediate layer failed and migrated outwards, which caused compression leaks. It may have been caused by a sticking thermostat. The Fel pro gaskets have (in my opinion) a better intermediate material. I showed it in a recent video.
I can't help feeling that an old fashioned copper/asbestos gasket would not have survived the overheat excursion.

Gene1949 · 05-31-2022, 07:14 AM

I only use Fel-Pro. If you research their catalogue you’ll find different types of material/construction and bore sizes. Letting someone you don't know pick your part or sell you some cheap Chinese garbage doesn't make sense to me.
Most parts houses (online or brick and mortar) will drop ship anywhere in the world.
https://www.felpro.com/find-my-part.html

51504bat · 05-31-2022, 08:11 AM

When I first started messing with cars in HS the parts house I dealt with sold FelPro gaskets so that is what I always used. When I had the 8ba in my'39p/u rebuilt, Red's Headers supplied me with Best gaskets for the basically stock rebuild. Based on my experience, both brands worked fine with no issues. That said I wouldn't hesitate to use either one. Of course others may have different opinions.

19Fordy · 05-31-2022, 08:26 AM

Rudolph: THANKS for posting your experience with offshore "creased" gaskets.

Bored&Stroked · 05-31-2022, 03:59 PM

I've seen similar issues with some of the head gaskets that Speedway sells - their own brand . . . which they sort of make look like Best Gaskets GraphTite products.

05-31-2022, 12:59 AM	#3
Lawrie Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Qld, Australia Posts: 4,223	Re: Crappy head gaskets I only use best gaskets. Lawrie

05-31-2022, 01:03 AM	#4
deuce lover Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Southern France Posts: 5,308	Re: Crappy head gaskets Always purchase from a reputable vendor. When you live far (like me) from the vendors and can't buy over the counter its not easy.Follow Lawrie's suggestion.

05-31-2022, 06:37 AM	#5
Charlie ny BANNED Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 3,019	Re: Crappy head gaskets Can't imagine using anything but BEST GASKETS always quick service from VanPelt. Usually get to say Hi to Shelly VanPelt....the Model A lady...... Charlie ny

05-31-2022, 07:00 AM	#6
mfirth Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: ohio Posts: 986	Re: Crappy head gaskets Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Best & Fel-pro have been good to me.

05-31-2022, 07:07 AM	#7
Mart Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Solihull, England. Posts: 8,756	Re: Crappy head gaskets I had a bad experience with a Best big bore gasket. The intermediate layer failed and migrated outwards, which caused compression leaks. It may have been caused by a sticking thermostat. The Fel pro gaskets have (in my opinion) a better intermediate material. I showed it in a recent video. I can't help feeling that an old fashioned copper/asbestos gasket would not have survived the overheat excursion.

05-31-2022, 07:14 AM	#8
Gene1949 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Pahrump, NV Posts: 374	Re: Crappy head gaskets I only use Fel-Pro. If you research their catalogue you’ll find different types of material/construction and bore sizes. Letting someone you don't know pick your part or sell you some cheap Chinese garbage doesn't make sense to me. Most parts houses (online or brick and mortar) will drop ship anywhere in the world. https://www.felpro.com/find-my-part.html

05-31-2022, 08:11 AM	#9
51504bat Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: SoCal-Redlands Posts: 3,025	Re: Crappy head gaskets When I first started messing with cars in HS the parts house I dealt with sold FelPro gaskets so that is what I always used. When I had the 8ba in my'39p/u rebuilt, Red's Headers supplied me with Best gaskets for the basically stock rebuild. Based on my experience, both brands worked fine with no issues. That said I wouldn't hesitate to use either one. Of course others may have different opinions. __________________ Making the simple complicated for over 30 years.

05-31-2022, 08:26 AM	#10
19Fordy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Coral Springs FL Posts: 10,950	Re: Crappy head gaskets Rudolph: THANKS for posting your experience with offshore "creased" gaskets.

05-31-2022, 03:59 PM	#11
Bored&Stroked Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Central Ohio Posts: 5,073	Re: Crappy head gaskets I've seen similar issues with some of the head gaskets that Speedway sells - their own brand . . . which they sort of make look like Best Gaskets GraphTite products.