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Old 02-16-2020, 11:14 AM   #1
SDLuck
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Default Head gasket

Hello, needed for a friend.On a 4 cyl model A are there difference thickness head gasket to lower the compression after the head and block have been shaved.Who make them?
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Old 02-16-2020, 11:43 AM   #2
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Default Re: Head gasket

How much was taken off the head and block. If they were just cleaned up I wouldn't think you need to worry about too much compression. A little more compression is a good thing. I use the Best Co. copper gasket.
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Old 02-16-2020, 12:02 PM   #3
Jim Brierley
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Default Re: Head gasket

I like the [U]Best[U] copper too. Best gaskets are thinner than some, but that is a good thing. Best makes a composition gasket that is the same number, so request the copper as it is easier to remove when needed.
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Old 02-16-2020, 12:13 PM   #4
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Default Re: Head gasket

I read the questions several times and still missed the "to lower" compression.
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Last edited by redmodelt; 02-17-2020 at 10:21 AM.
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Old 02-16-2020, 12:26 PM   #5
Purdy Swoft
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Default Re: Head gasket

On a stock model A engine , the pistons will protrude around 32 thousands or a small amount above deck height .
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Old 02-16-2020, 12:39 PM   #6
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Default Re: Head gasket

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I use a Pancake Head basket on mine, never a problem. https://youtu.be/5ae4NDjHr4Y

Sorry, I had to go there...

I prefer Best's Graphtite Head Gaskets. Some copper gaskets seem to 'weep' out the sides.
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Old 02-16-2020, 10:43 PM   #7
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Default Re: Head gasket

He has calculated the compression to be to high due to ping,other than retarding the timing,what do you recommended. On sbc we can order head gasket any size we need to adjust the comp if the block and the heads are shaved to much.
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Old 02-17-2020, 02:50 AM   #8
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Default Re: Head gasket

Just curious. Have you taken a compression test, just to see how high it is? Stock Model A is 65 psig. They will ping if too far advanced. Maybe enrichen the GAV a little.
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Old 02-17-2020, 06:54 AM   #9
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Default Re: Head gasket

Quote:
Originally Posted by Y-Blockhead View Post
I use a Pancake Head basket on mine, never a problem. https://youtu.be/5ae4NDjHr4Y

Sorry, I had to go there...

I prefer Best's Graphtite Head Gaskets. Some copper gaskets seem to 'weep' out the sides.
Hilarious! I forgot about that scene.

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Old 02-17-2020, 12:06 PM   #10
Jim Brierley
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Default Re: Head gasket

To prevent weeping, seal the gasket around the inner side of the water passages with silicone or some such thing.
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Old 02-17-2020, 08:59 PM   #11
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Default Re: Head gasket

I have a Winfield head on my engine. The deck on the block had been shaved to clean it up. At TDC the pistons are almost .100" above the deck. After having the surface counter bored .062" for the pistons, I still get 165 psi compression. The pistons are .100" over.
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Old 02-17-2020, 11:25 PM   #12
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Default Re: Head gasket

Quote:
Originally Posted by Y-Blockhead View Post
I use a Pancake Head basket on mine, never a problem. https://youtu.be/5ae4NDjHr4Y

Sorry, I had to go there...

I prefer Best's Graphtite Head Gaskets. Some copper gaskets seem to 'weep' out the sides.
That was great, never saw that one before.......... Thanks for the laugh
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Old 02-18-2020, 01:18 AM   #13
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Default Re: Head gasket

If you need more clearance, you can also use 2 head gaskets. I bought an engine at a swap meet, and when I cleaned it and took it apart I found someone had used 2 head gaskets for some reason, but it ran fine.
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Old 02-18-2020, 12:24 PM   #14
SDLuck
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Default Re: Head gasket

Thanks for all that answered,any other suggestions to lower other than cut the pistons?
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Old 02-18-2020, 12:47 PM   #15
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Default Re: Head gasket

I think it would be easier to flycut the recess above the pistons. Not much meat on the tops of the pistons to cut them shorter. Most people would be trying to increase compression and adjusting the spark rather then lowering it. Have you done compression check or clearance check with clay? Right now you are asking questions with too many unknowns? Like how much was taken off both? How thick the material is left on the head above the pistons? How far do the pistons pop up above the block? etc
I am thinking the 165 above is a typeo and might be 65LBS
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Old 02-18-2020, 03:55 PM   #16
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Default Re: Head gasket

you think its pinging because of excessive compression on a stock head??? are you running it on kerosene? set your timing.
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Old 02-18-2020, 08:21 PM   #17
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Default Re: Head gasket

The pinging could also be the pistons hitting the head.
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Old 02-18-2020, 11:50 PM   #18
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Default Re: Head gasket

Decking or milling changes the cr very little. Check your timing. There is a timing strip available from the dealers that bolt to the front passenger motor mount bolt. Then you can actually use a timing light.
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Old 02-19-2020, 11:21 AM   #19
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Default Re: Head gasket

Great video.
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Old 02-19-2020, 11:58 AM   #20
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Default Re: Head gasket

I've used 2 gaskets with no problems, this on a Cyclone head. It resulted in 7.4:1 compression and cleared the pistons, which is why I did that.
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