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Old 03-26-2021, 03:29 PM   #1
Low-Blow
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Default Pan Gasket Question - 81A Flathead

I recently acquired an 81A flathead out of a 41 sedan. The engine does not appear to have many miles on it since last overhaul. The valley is spotless, with no sludge residue. I pulled the pan to check the rotating assembly. Everything looks great. So, I bought a gasket set and am going to put it back together. My question is regarding the pan gasket. As you can see in the pictures, the front of the gasket runs up flush to the crank. Thus, it overlaps the rope seal in the block - which you can see stands a little proud. Should I trim the gasket back to the edge of the rope seal, or allow it to overlap?



In the rear, I am going to leave the existing cork gasket. It appears to be in fine shape, so I do not want to battle with trying to remove it and put a new one in; especially since the flywheel is still on the engine. The pan gasket runs to the edge of the cork seal and then turns up about 1/4 of an inch. Again, should I trim gasket back to where it just comes flush to the cork seal?
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File Type: jpg Seal 1.jpg (57.9 KB, 55 views)
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Old 03-26-2021, 03:54 PM   #2
Will D
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Default Re: Pan Gasket Question - 81A Flathead

From what I've read, your going to want to replace the rear cork seal. No matter how careful you are or good it looks it has a high potential to leak reusing it.

Someone else will be along shortly to answer your question.
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Old 03-26-2021, 05:09 PM   #3
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Default Re: Pan Gasket Question - 81A Flathead

Should be a useful read. You're answer in post #11.

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=187009
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Old 03-26-2021, 09:37 PM   #4
Low-Blow
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Default Re: Pan Gasket Question - 81A Flathead

Thank you. I should not have guessed. Oh well, it didn't hurt me to take the pan off, trim the gasket, and put it back on!! I appreciate you sharing the link.
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Old 03-27-2021, 05:09 PM   #5
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Default Re: Pan Gasket Question - 81A Flathead

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Also, put a couple dabs of silicone sealer on the ends of the rope seals in that area - helps to prevent leaks.

When you put as new rear cork seal on - put a slight bead of silicone sealer on it as well - smooth it out with your finger tip.

If you pulled the pan, did you also check the oil pump out? If it was mine, I'd always make sure it is not worn and if you have any doubts, replace it with a 49-53 pump. If you do this, you'll need a new pickup - Speedway has them for about $20 each (the pickup). The later pump is a much better pump than the earlier ones.

Also, if I've gone to the trouble of pulling the pan, I usually pull at least the center main cap and a couple rod caps to check the bearings.
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