Oozing Head Gasket

[Bob Bidonde]

The Model "B" engine in my 190A has a modern black composition gasket with silicone seals. The cylinder head is a Model "A" from Synder's with 5.5:1 compression ratio. Since this rebuilt engine has been running, there has been a black liquid oozing out of the head gasket.

Thanks Jim Brieley! Last evening while reading your book , "4-Bangers! And Me!", the answer hopped up and bit me.

I forgot about the 6 coolant holes near the center of the block that are not in the Model "A" cylinder head. In the past I ran steel and copper head gaskets which effectively blocked those 6 coolant holes. However, the coolant wicks through the composition gasket and is making the mess seen in the photo.

I may plug the 6 holes in the block, and I will be replacing the composition gasket with a metal clad one.

[denniskliesen]

Toss the silicone gasket and try a BEST graphite. I had that problem with the silicone only not as bad as yours. My graphite I put on is totally dry all of the way around.

[hardtimes]

Originally Posted by Bob Bidonde

The Model "B" engine in my 190A has a modern black composition gasket with silicone seals. The cylinder head is a Model "A" from Synder's with 5.5:1 compression ratio. Since this rebuilt engine has been running, there has been a black liquid oozing out of the head gasket.

Thanks Jim Brieley! Last evening while reading your book , "4-Bangers! And Me!", the answer hopped up and bit me.

I forgot about the 6 coolant holes near the center of the block that are not in the Model "A" cylinder head. In the past I ran steel and copper head gaskets which effectively blocked those 6 coolant holes. However, the coolant wicks through the composition gasket and is making the mess seen in the photo.

I may plug the 6 holes in the block, and I will be replacing the composition gasket with a metal clad one.

Hey Bob,
Yeah, you're on the right track !
Some say to just plug the FOUR center holes. I plug them all and with no problems. I've plugged them with the engine in the car and cleaned up like you show yours. Once you 'tap' the holes, I use the 'allen' wrench type plugs screwed down just a little below block surface. Then I fill allen hole and plug hole flush with block surface. Let the filler harded and then touch up even with blk surface. Good luck

[Chuck Sea/Tac]

Dang!!! That’s ugly

[JDupuis]

Originally Posted by Chuck Sea/Tac

Dang!!! That’s ugly

That's what she said! LoL . Jeff

[quickchange]

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My copper head gasket made just for us , can be used on A or B block , covers those holes also can not leak around outside edge because one layer is returned over the edge same as around the piston hole , I also fill those 4 holes as Jim recommends , TOP GUY that Jim fella , buy his book ,

[Jim Brierley]

You're welcome Bob! On older 'sandwich' gaskets I have used sealer on the water-jacket edge of the water passages to solve this problem.

[Chris Haynes]

I have the same oozing on mine. I was ready to pull the head. Now I guess it is more of a nuisance than a problem. Where do I find this "BEST" head gasket?

[Jim Brierley]

'Best' gaskets are available at most Model A stores.