The Ford Barn

Bob Bidonde · 06-03-2018, 01:00 PM

Lesson learned: Do not use the composition head gasket with the integrated red silicone sealer!

Cruising along at 55 MPH, the Model B engine in my 1931 Coupe started running poorly. The spark plugs in Cylinders 1 & 2 were dripping wet with water. A compression check revealed 1/75PSOG, 2/66PISG, 3/72PSIG & 4/73PSIG with a stock Model B head.

My Coupe sat idle for almost 2 years with coolant, and it was on its first run out of hibernation when the problem occurred. Before venturing out, I topped-off the coolant by adding a gallon of water. I attributed the low water level to evaporation. WRONG!

The head gasket is a black composition job with red silicone sealer integral with the gasket. Rust trails indicate the gasket sealer failed at the large coolant hole just outboard of the distributor.

I run my Model A's 50 to 60 MPH. What are the best head gaskets available these days?

06-03-2018, 01:00 PM	#1
Bob Bidonde Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 3,486	Model B Steam Engine Lesson learned: Do not use the composition head gasket with the integrated red silicone sealer! Cruising along at 55 MPH, the Model B engine in my 1931 Coupe started running poorly. The spark plugs in Cylinders 1 & 2 were dripping wet with water. A compression check revealed 1/75PSOG, 2/66PISG, 3/72PSIG & 4/73PSIG with a stock Model B head. My Coupe sat idle for almost 2 years with coolant, and it was on its first run out of hibernation when the problem occurred. Before venturing out, I topped-off the coolant by adding a gallon of water. I attributed the low water level to evaporation. WRONG! The head gasket is a black composition job with red silicone sealer integral with the gasket. Rust trails indicate the gasket sealer failed at the large coolant hole just outboard of the distributor. I run my Model A's 50 to 60 MPH. What are the best head gaskets available these days? __________________ Bob Bidonde