Fel Pro head gaskets compared to Victor

[Joe C.]

Re: Fel Pro head gaskets compared to Victor

I see that the head gasket is a FelPro 8180PT2: composition type, "Permatorque" .039" compressed thickness. Much more forgiving than the original steel shim, so there must be a GROSS imperfection in the deck near where the leak is. Did you examine the heads after they were surfaced?

I agree that putting a band aid on it is the wrong way to go. You should investigate what is causing the problem.

Depending on which side the leak is on, was #7 or #8 hole sleeved?

I would pull the heads to check all surfaces. IF YOU DECIDE TO DO THIS, AND ONLY IF YOU DO THIS, then try to get your engine to detonate before dismantling it. If it won't detonate I would consider using a thinner head gasket than what's on there now.

Mr. Gasket 5802 is a good choice.

[Jim T.]

Re: Fel Pro head gaskets compared to Victor

Bars leak would be good for my sons POC 96 Ford Taurus but I wouldn't want to use it to as a "patch" for a problem in our expensive toys. I would want to get to the root of the problem and fix it.

Like Clem I always use Permatex #3H aviation on the studs and a lot of other places. Now if I lived in CA though I wouldn't be able to buy the stuff.
I am starting to worry that some day in the near future there won't be any more Perm #3. That's why I am stocking up. JD

John about 4 years ago my son came for Christmas driving his family in their 96 Ford Windstar. He complained about his Windstar's coolant loss and how he was tired of replacing the 4 oxygen sensors and no coolant on the ground. Convinced him to try BARS LEAK and we installed the black liquid right right before he left the driveway driving 300 miles home. Results were great, no more coolant loss.

[John H.]

Re: Fel Pro head gaskets compared to Victor

Every assembly plant on the planet puts two Bar's Leaks pellets in the radiator at the coolant fill station on the Final Line, and has for the last 50 years. Bar's couldn't stay in business if they had to depend on auto parts store sales.

Their headquarters is in Holly, Michigan, about ten miles from me, and they have plants making all those pellets in Georgia, Missouri, Ontario, Tokyo, Barcelona, Germany, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.

[Terry M.]

Re: Fel Pro head gaskets compared to Victor

Well I guess they don't need me to plug them.

[Michael G.]

Re: Fel Pro head gaskets compared to Victor

All,

I've listened to all comments and suggestions and agree with most. Not sure the systems needs Bars Leak to seal engine at this juncture....according to Michael H, the composite gasket if working properly should do the trick....I agree. Believe I'll follow the initial reccommendation and retorque the heads (to spec) and giv'er another run and look see. Should the issue reappear between the head and block (back of engine) feel the head should come off to have a further look. The Bars Leak sounds like an interesting product but have 3 other classic cars here with no leaks and no Bars Leak either.

Didn't hear much from you all regarding Victor head gaskets and their functionality as they relate to Fel Pro. Thanks in advance.

All to be decided!

[Reba W.]

Re: Fel Pro head gaskets compared to Victor

Michael

I think if it were mine, I would remove the head and see what's going on in there. There shouldn't be a need for any kind of sealer to seal a composition head gasket, especially in that area.
I thought most/all current composition gaskets today required no hot retorque?? I wouldn't exceed the factory recommended torque values.

Hey JD. Yer what.. about 66 now? I wouldn't get too excited about how many more years Permatex will be available if I were that old.

If I were him I would be more concerned about buying green bananas

[Michael H.]

Re: Fel Pro head gaskets compared to Victor

If I were him I would be more concerned about buying green bananas

Good advice.

[Timothy B.]

Re: Fel Pro head gaskets compared to Victor

Michael,

Make sure there is no leak in the intake manifold gasket at the rear, antifreeze can run down by the head.

[Michael G.]

Re: Fel Pro head gaskets compared to Victor

Tim,

The issue is not a water leak between head block. After engine is warmed up/hot, there's an ocassional bubble(s) purge between the head and block at rear of engine....no water just the ocassional air bubble. No water in oil as well, thanks.

[Joe C.]

Re: Fel Pro head gaskets compared to Victor

Tim,

The issue is not a water leak between head block. After engine is warmed up/hot, there's an ocassional bubble(s) purge between the head and block at rear of engine....no water just the ocassional air bubble. No water in oil as well, thanks.

How can you see the air bubbles without any liquid as a telltale. Are you running the engine under water?
Just kidding.
To repeat: now is a good time to take note of TRUE SCR on the initial engine build, assuming you have not already done so! If you have sufficient "margin" before detonation occurs using ordinary pump premium, WITH TIMING MAP OPTIMIZED, in hot ambient temps, then it would behoove you to add more static compression before reinstalling the heads!!!!!
If thread sealer with teflon was used on the head bolts, then deduct 5-10 ft lbs from the recommended torque value with motor oil (or sealant without teflon) on the threads.