289 Head to Intake Sealing

Fly2xs · Nov 23, 2020

Hello,

Still fine tuning my 289 rebuild, took the intake off to reseal it. I noticed that the heads I used, has some pitting on the head to intake surfaces. I am installing the standard Fel Pro gaskets, which the instructions state to install dry.

Does this pitting need to be addressed? Will it cause any issues? Thoughts of using Permetex aviation sealant on the intake gaskets on the head side only? I estimate the dept of the pitting at .005, and the worst is in the pic, all other surfaces are very minor to none.

I could not tune the 4100 1.08 properly that I used, it is/was running RICH with stock jets and correct venturies per the manual. The right side mixture screw pretty much had no effect adjusting the metering needle in or out. While the left side if I went all the way in, the engine would stumble like it should. Most likley the head/intake and carb issues are not related? I could not find a vacuum leak on the intake, other than a possibly leak on the aft right. I say that, since the car was running so rich, cab cleaner woud not make the RPM increase, it would decrease slightly when sprayed on the aft right.

To rule out the carb, bought a Summit 2008 series to try once I get things back together.

Tiggie · Nov 23, 2020

I use a very thin coat of RTV on those water passages, head and intake side.

64-1/2 first.... 66 now · Nov 23, 2020

I would think if it was sucking air it would create a lean condition.

Mustang4SF · Nov 23, 2020

I use a thin layer of grey RTV around the ports between the head and the gasket.
Otherwise you might end up with a water leak or vacuum leak.

Before make sure everything is super clean. I use a yellow shop towel and brake cleaner until the no more dirt comes off. If my towel still gets dirt I continue to clean.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Woodchuck · Nov 24, 2020

I ALWAYS use Aviation Form-A-Gasket around the water ports and on the bolt threads. Unless your FelPro's are the "Perma Dry" type I'd apply a coat of Permatex Copper Spray-a-Gasket to the cylinder head side of the GASKET prior to putting it in place. Yes, I would use a 4 inch stud or cut-down bolt at each corner of the cylinder head to intake bolt locations to act as guides for the gaskets and the intake.

PA_cob · Nov 24, 2020

I have been using gasgacinch on my intake gaskets for awhile now without any leaks. I apply to all ports on the heads, gaskets, and intake. I only apply Right Stuff to the china rails.

289 Head to Intake Sealing

Our Vendors

Top Contributors this Month

Recommended Communities