Head gaskets

[92Ty#1524]

Ive gone through a few sets of head gaskets over the past couple years. Tend to blow out from under the head with my foot into it. Heads and block are true, torqued properly. I'm using Fel-Pro gaskets but...while attempting to purchase replacements from a reputable performance shop in this area, I was informed that Fel-Pro doesnt make one for these trucks (..excluding Z eng w/ turbo).

The big question:

What gaskets should I be using and does Fel-Pro in fact make them? Seems that I'd read about a Sy with oringed Fels.

 

[Mkid]

I got some Fel Pros just a month ago...if you need the part number i can get it for you.

Malik

 

[92Ty#1524]

Sure. Thanx. I'd be curious to see if its what I've been using. Just seems odd (or maybe not) that an auto parts store hands me a part and an establishment that uses a more reliable information base says that they dont exsist. It makes one wonder. Ya know?

Jack

 

[Mkid]

I'll post it later for ya...when i get home

Later,
Malik

 

[kbbeckius]

That seems excessive, are you reusing the head bolts?? They may not be holding torque properly, after being streched so many times. If so buy some new ones.

Thx Brad

 

[92Ty#1524]

No. I've replaced the bolts every time and recently went with ARP studs. Ive had the heads and block checked out while I had it apart this last time and all was good. The only variable and uncertainty at this point is the gaskets themselves. I've been using the same ones that were on it when I bought it. I cant imagine what else could cause this problem other than a gasket that wasnt designed to handle it. Should I go with the dealer OEM gaskets? Boost is around 19 lbs.

Jack

 

[92Ty#1524]

....been using the same brand and part#, that is.

 

[leroy]

Stock head gaskets are made by Victor. Just get the Victor 4.3 turbo gaskets.

I blew one set of Felpros.

Jim

 

[92Ty#1524]

Thanx, Jim. Glad to see that I'm not alone.

 

[V6 Kompressor]

Which Fel-Pro's are you using... I think the right ones are about $40 each and they have a stainless steel wire ring around the combustion chamber... I think the number was 10## not sure though.. Fel-pro's website is down at the moment... The stock felpro's that most part stores carry are NOT the right ones and they are 9354pt-1.

_________________
There is only one thing to remember, if it has tires or tits, it will ALWAYS be causing you problems.... :smile:

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Dragrace55 on 2002-03-19 22:33 ]</font>

 

[Mkid]

Sorry...couldn't find the #...thought it was on by build sheet.

Later

 

[jwaller]

FELPRO 1032.....1032....1032
has built in wire ring, .041 comp think ness, and can be used up to a 4.100 bore

 

[92Ty#1524]

Drag, I'm pretty sure those are the ones that are on the engine. The number seems rather familiar.

 

[bigjohn]

leroy is correct. victor is oem on gaskets. however i see no reason why the felpros will not hold up. by all that you have said and done there is no reason for them to blow. try the victors and see what happens.

 

[jwaller]

I have not had a legit problem with either of them....my problems stemmed from user error.

 

[Richard Le]

So does anyone have the part # for the Victor head gaskets?

 

[92Ty#1524]

I called Victor today. Told me they dont have em. Ofcourse, the dealer will sell them to me for $60 each and a 5 day wait for shipping. I'm trying to avoid that route.

 

[jwaller]

no victor has them because they make them For GM....you have to ask for the syclone gasket set. and it comes in there.

 

[Coloty]

I believe the Victor p/n is 8885....but don't quote me on that

 

[nightdiver]

the fel pro nr for steel wire ring is 1002 and the overbored is 1032
ive got the catalog since i am a fel pro dealer here
i use the 1002 and its thicker,that might lower the compresion a ltl