440 head gasket conundrum

Blue · Post by **Blue** » Sun Nov 28, 04 6:59 pm

Right then, I'm having trouble locating the correct head gaskets for a '74 440, this engine has the extra cooling holes to the heads and it's that that's the problem. The motor had steel shim head gaskets when I pulled it down and I can't find a listing for them, Felpro only list a composite gasket for that year. The Mopar performance shim gaskets do not have the extra holes so using those will cause I leak I think, anyone have any suggestions?

Alex · Post by **Alex** » Sun Nov 28, 04 7:17 pm

No listing I can find, I would get steel shims again and punch the holes using a templete from the old gasket.

Why do you think it will leak if the holes are covered? you have to use a sealer on the faces with shims anyway so it should seal up ok?

Blue · Post by **Blue** » Sun Nov 28, 04 8:34 pm

problem is the shim gaskets have a raised area around all the holes for sealing, if I was to drill extra holes it ain't gonna seal, or perhaps the whole lot gets crushed flat anyway and the sealer would do the trick? If I can't find the correct gaskets I think I'll just use the shim ones as they are and hope it seals with copper spray.

Alex · Post by **Alex** » Sun Nov 28, 04 8:38 pm

I know about the compression rings around the holes, hey do squash flat to aid sealing but I understand your worry..

Blue, I know I am teaching you to suck eggs, but make sure the surfaces are perfectly flat and spotless or it will leak, I use Worth sealer on them just to make sure the tiny imperfections are covered.