1969 3x2 Carb Gasket Question

[Chuck G.]

Took the 3x2 Holley carbs off of my 69 last week, as they were leaking. They're off for a rebuild now.

When I took the carbs off of the intake manifold, I found a black gasket under each one.

The center gasket was stamped in white ink "CENTER CARB TOP"
Each end gasket was stamped "END CARB TOP"

I pulled/scraped 'em off, as I had new replacements in my assortment of spare parts. I had installed these carbs myself about 12 years ago, BTW.

Got the new gaskets out yesterday. The bag is from a major Corvette supplier. The tag says it contains 3 gaskets, one center and two ends.

In looking through the bag, it contains FOUR gaskets , all of them are identical.

What, if any, is the difference between what was on the car and what I have now? Is the center carb gasket somehow different?

Thanks for any insight. I do not have the carbs here for comparison, and the old gaskets were tossed in the trash several days ago.

Chuck

[Clem Z.]

Re: 1969 3x2 Carb Gasket Question

if you put the original GM black gakets on wrong you had a vacuum leak. even the brown ones should have the word "REAR" stamped on them so you get them on correctly

[John M.]

Re: 1969 3x2 Carb Gasket Question

Chuck,
I think I remeber one of these gaskets was just flipped over for the center carb, but it's been a while so I'm not sure.
I think it said "this side up for center". I could be completely off here.
John

[Chuck G.]

Re: 1969 3x2 Carb Gasket Question

Thanks for the info. The 4 gaskets I have are all identical, and have no markings for rear and center and have no markings for top either. They're just plain old black gaskets, and they look identical on the top and bottom surfaces too. Wonder if I should order another set?

Chuck

[Chuck G.]

Re: 1969 3x2 Carb Gasket Question

I just went ahead and ordered another "correct" set from Paragon. On their website, you can see one of the 3 gaskets pictured with the white writing "Top Center" of some such verbage. Says it contains 3 gaskets, one center and two ends. Shipping cost more than the gaskets.

Chuck

[Clem Z.]

Re: 1969 3x2 Carb Gasket Question

same GM gasket from 2 different sides

[Chuck G.]

Re: 1969 3x2 Carb Gasket Question

Interesting. Thank you, Clem. I wish I had the carbs here so I could play with them and see what difference the switcheroo makes.

Chuck

[Clem Z.]

Re: 1969 3x2 Carb Gasket Question

it is how the gasket sets on the manifold openings that is important

[Chuck G.]

Re: 1969 3x2 Carb Gasket Question

Well, if that's the case, looks like I wasted about $20.00, but how would I know?

BUT, on the bright side, when I get these correctly marked gaskets, I'll mark the 4 that I will still have so I'll know for the next time,..................................

OR if/when I sell the car, I'll just pass them on to the new owner.

Chuck