Reuse shim head gasket?

[mala]

I have pull out my match # 383 engine, its been under my workbench for the last 25 + years now. I just put in new bearing, new rings in it and its run just fine in my engine test stand.

Now to the problem, its leak oil betwen head and block in the rear ( cyl 8) I was thinking to pull of the heads and mill them. The run time is just a cuple of minutes, can I reuse the shim/steel head gasket?

Thanks!

 

[MoparMitch]

I have pull out my match # 383 engine, its been under my workbench for the last 25 + years now. I just put in new bearing, new rings in it and its run just fine in my engine test stand.

Now to the problem, its leak oil betwen head and block in the rear ( cyl 8) I was thinking to pull of the heads and mill them. The run time is just a cuple of minutes, can I reuse the shim/steel head gasket?

Thanks!

No, Never re-use head gaskets. Buy new ones.......

 

[GTX JOHN]

I agree = especially with a Steel Shim gasket.

It is way to time consuming to take the engine apart again.

Steel Gaskets are not that expensive.

 

[toolmanmike]

I agree = especially with a Steel Shim gasket.

It is way to time consuming to take the engine apart again.

Steel Gaskets are not that expensive.

And you wedge guys are lucky, they still make them. Small blocks? Nope.

 

[mala]

I agree = especially with a Steel Shim gasket.

It is way to time consuming to take the engine apart again.

Steel Gaskets are not that expensive.

Well, I have to pay 120-130$ for a pair steel head gasket and wait a cuple of weeks for new....

 

[MoparMitch]

Well, I have to pay 120-130$ for a pair steel head gasket and wait a cuple of weeks for new....

WTF ?????

 

[toolmanmike]

Fel Pro Permatorque gaskets are $19 at Rockauto. Your engine will never know the difference in compression. It might like it because of the puppy pee gas we have now days.

 

[Photon440]

Well, I have to pay 120-130$ for a pair steel head gasket and wait a cuple of weeks for new....

Mr. Gasket brand is a lot cheaper.
CHRYSLER Mr. Gasket 1135G Mr. Gasket Head Gaskets | Summit Racing

 

[ruffcut]

I would use the Felpro gasket over the steel shim. I think you will get a better seal. Just my 2cents

 

[mala]

Mr. Gasket brand is a lot cheaper.
CHRYSLER Mr. Gasket 1135G Mr. Gasket Head Gaskets | Summit Racing

I order the same gasket from Summit and I know what I pay, I don´t live in the USA.

 

[Photon440]

I order the same gasket from Summit and I know what I pay, I don´t live in the USA.

Nor do I
I have no idea what country "Southern" is supposed to represent though.

 

[mala]

Fel Pro Permatorque gaskets are $19 at Rockauto. Your engine will never know the difference in compression. It might like it because of the puppy pee gas we have now days.

A 383 engine is not a high compression in 1970. If I calculate correct so is has it 8.9:1 with steel head gasket and 8.55:1 with a .039 gasket.

 

[mala]

I would use the Felpro gasket over the steel shim. I think you will get a better seal. Just my 2cents

Maybe I go that path with felpro gasket and mill the heads .020 for compensate the thicker gasket.

 

[lewtot184]

Mr. Gasket brand is a lot cheaper.
CHRYSLER Mr. Gasket 1135G Mr. Gasket Head Gaskets | Summit Racing

These 1135's are good gaskets. Felpro pt8519 is a good choice.

 

[lewtot184]

A 383 engine is not a high compression in 1970. If I calculate correct so is has it 8.9:1 with steel head gasket and 8.55:1 with a .039 gasket.

Should be around 9.5 with a steel shim. Felpro will be close to 9; assuming 10:1 pistons for both gaskets.

 

[mala]

Should be around 9.5 with a steel shim. Felpro will be close to 9; assuming 10:1 pistons for both gaskets.

I don`t think there is such ting as a 10:1 piston from the factory, building compression in a 383 engine is not an easy ting to do with open chambers heads.

 

[lewtot184]

I don`t think there is such ting as a 10:1 piston from the factory, building compression in a 383 engine is not an easy ting to do with open chambers heads.

All factory 4bbl engines that I know of had 10:1 pistons. As the engines were built they were about 1/2 a point less than advertised
but not in the high eights.

 

[mala]

All factory 4bbl engines that I know of had 10:1 pistons. As the engines were built they were about 1/2 a point less than advertised
but not in the high eights.

 

[GTX JOHN]

Mopar rated the compression with 79cc heads.

At least, that is what they posted for spec. with NHRA way
back then.

But of course, as cast they were probably as big as 88cc.

Easy job to CC heads and cut them to factory specification.

 

[lewtot184]

View attachment 1686041

Where are you getting. 030" deck height. I know my 68 road runner was near zero.