NOS 1938-48 24 Stud Head Gaskets
 

I will soon be putting my '39 24 stud engine back together with new mains, big ends, rings, cam followers, valves etc.

I have got two pairs of NOS 1938-48 24 stud head gaskets, all still with some of the preserving wax on the metal fire rings. This scrapes off easily with a fingernail.

They have the following stamped on them:
Ford USA
Detroit Gasket Mfg Co
Steelbestos
41A-6051

My questions are:
Are these a good type of gasket to use?
If so, what is the best sealer to use on these asbestos gaskets?

Attachment 438008

Attachment 438009

Attachment 438010

Attachment 438011

Re: NOS 1938-48 24 Stud Head Gaskets
 

The gasket you have "would" probably be good....Were it me, a "new" gasket has more "modern" technology built into it SO the ability to perform (in my mind) would also be better IMO the cost is "cheap" insurance. I used a copper coat spray on mine before I put it back together!!! I also anti seized the studs and the tops of the head stud holes to help the next shlepp like me who work on it to hopefully make pulling the heads easier than what I had!!!

Re: NOS 1938-48 24 Stud Head Gaskets
 

I prefer all metal faced gaskets and copper coat on them. You can take the engine apart then. The type of gaskets you have make it difficult to get a head off if it has studs and requires a lot of clean up.

Re: NOS 1938-48 24 Stud Head Gaskets
 

I use these religiously and have never had an issue. I do spray them with coppercoat. In my humble opinion, newer is not necessarily better.

Re: NOS 1938-48 24 Stud Head Gaskets
 

Thanks all for your comments.
I suppose there must have been many thousands of these in service over the years.

Re: NOS 1938-48 24 Stud Head Gaskets
 

As good or better (due to the asbestos content) as any available head gasket in my opinion. Modern is quite often not better as far as head gasket materials go.



Terry

Re: NOS 1938-48 24 Stud Head Gaskets
 

The 41A gasket is the correct gasket for the 81A engine. You will note the small coolant holes are at the front and the rear coolant holes are larger.

Re: NOS 1938-48 24 Stud Head Gaskets
 

Thanks guys. Majority opinion is that they are fit for purpose so I will get coppercoat as suggested by Kube and rockfla and put them into service.
The engine will be loaded up with new parts and I don't plan on taking the heads off again any time soon.

Re: NOS 1938-48 24 Stud Head Gaskets
 

Later this week, I'll be installing a pair of these on a '40 engine.

Re: NOS 1938-48 24 Stud Head Gaskets
 

I think I've said the same thing to myself . . . many times in my life. LOL :D

Re: NOS 1938-48 24 Stud Head Gaskets
 

Grease 'em. 8^) Jack E/NJ