3 Common Head Gasket Mistakes Made by Mopar Engine Builders(that Affect All Brands) 

Bingo maintenance is key! Great explanation by the way.

Thank you for sharing. I am actually a licensed home inspector. Seeing galvanized hooked to black pipe, etc. has made me a believer. Granted the corrosion I see could be 10 years old.

@@JustMoparJoe I'm sure as a home inspector you have seen it all! My own current house, when I moved in 15 years ago, was horrendous, especially the wiring. I have sorted it out back to code over the years but now and then I still discover a surprise from previous ownership. I am a chemical engineer with a love of hot rodding and an affinity for Mopar products ever since my mom ordered the first Road Runner sold in Alberta in the late summer of 1967!

Nickel!

@@gavinmclaren9416 send me email, if you don’t mind. justmoparjoe@gmail.com

Haha! I used to teach my 7th graders the same!

My brother-in-law is an I T specialist, and he says in regards to computers, never let one know you're in a hurry, and read the entire screen. Those are the only two things to know about computers..... I'd call b******* on that one, but he fixed my computer when he was in Missouri and I was in Kansas and I didn't even have an internet connection. And my computer never left my house.

Yes sir. It is your friend when you don’t have another

Hey buddy! Where have you been? You will like the car I picked up today for a customer. It looks very familiar!

@@JustMoparJoe Sorry for that long first comment. ive been working at my new job for the past month and a half and it cuts into me watching lives or videos and this week I've been out sick with the family with covid

I used a copper coating on the first engine I did at the advice of the machinist, but haven't since. I put them on dry and haven't had an issue. I've always done as you mentioned and re-torqued the bolts the next day, but always in order. My last engine was 80 ft lbs plus 90 degrees so unless there's some trick, they can't be checked later on. That head gasket failed. It was some random brand offline during covid when parts and materials were hard to find since everyone was home and finally had free time to work on their cars plus a drop in manufacturing. I haven't fixed it yet, but I'm just now learning about all of fel pros options and might order different sets than I got. Spraying clear coat doesn't sound like a good idea to me, lol, but maybe on those old steel gaskets it would help. I still wouldn't and would use something made for it

Thanks Ed. I won’t order any until we confer on the width of the deshrouding. Better safe than sorry!

@@JustMoparJoe Roger that Joe!!

Very interesting. These seem to have a black coating. I wouldn’t wipe them with a strong solvent.

Thanks brother. I would have on mine too, but they ran the heads over a rough stone and the bottom was a terrible finish.

Thank you Greg! Your experience matters and I appreciate you sharing.

Wouldn't copper coat negate the corrosion issue?

@@wayne8498 To a point, yes

@@gregtough9055 thanks for the response.

Or I have also used silver paint on a steel h gasket I think the factory did

Cool Chris. I last used the shim style on a 383 with no issues. The engine was around 11/1. The new owner blew those gaskets on his 10th nitrous pass of a 125 shot. Idk if he had an AFR gauge or ever pulled a plug.

Excellent! Thanks Mike

True. Race engine lose no antifreeze. Street. Tight with antifreeze. A Detroit head gasket best in street engine but a pain in tear down of a race engine.

Haha! Thanks Duddie. To be fair, my 408 has the blue felpros from the kit. I’ve been battle testing them!

Me2

Yes sir. I may go ahead with the gaskets recommendation from edelbrock. I’m still studying. I don’t want to get burned again on a ring hanging in.

Thanks brother

They could be ok, or really bad. If you’re worried, use a thick gasket! 😂

@@JustMoparJoe 🤣🤣🤣🤣 I hear ya brother. I'm planning on a 440 Source 505 stroker kit so I'll have my block and heads done like you did. This is why I'm following and excited about your build. Gonna really help me out when it comes time for mine....💯😎

Excellent! Thanks for sharing. I’ve seen them fine on a stock block and smooth cut head. My heads on the 408 looked like a chainsaw cut them.

Awesome, Bert!

Thanks brother. Yes sir, had a few guys share that. I’ll definitely remember it for next time

Ok, but since a 426 wedge has a smaller bore than than a 400 you'd think a gasket for a 400 would have room if it was perfectly round.

@@auteurfiddler8706 I think it depends on the chamfer of the 400. I think the truck blocks were even worse than the earlys.

@@JustMoparJoe Back before the 1.81" exhaust valves were available, the 2.14" intakes valves were available and the 1.88" Max Wedge exhaust valves were available. What we did was take 1.88" exhaust valves and cut them down to 1.83" diameter, to clear the cylinder bore and we'd leave a 0.100" margin on the valve head edge, for good flow. So we were running 2.14" intake valves and custom 1.83" exhaust valves, with standard valve stem diameter. It's important to use single lock groove valves and keepers with solid lifters too, as the multi-groove keepers could get knocked loose. The single groove keepers are good for keeping together high RPM hydraulic valve trains too. The single groove is wide, strong and has a positive grip on the valve stem, instead of the floating grip the multi-groove keepers have.

@@BrandonLeeBrown thanks 👍🏼

Thanks Mitch

Thanks for sharing Jerry. I work with Ed at Ed’s machine. We have a nice relationship, and he trusts me to build my own engines. Check out his channel. He shares his 40 years of machining knowledge there.

Interesting! I just saw Marcos at dust or bust have a pair fail. I’m not sure if he used sealant on them at all.

@@JustMoparJoe Hey Joe never had issues 15:15 to1 B1 928HP 800 torque 10+years

Thanks for watching

Thanks for sharing!

Thanks Paul! Sometimes the heroes put the manufacturer’s to shame. Sometimes it’s opposite. 😂

I’m definitely no expert on them.

@@JustMoparJoe I’m leaning towards going aluminum heads on my 413/426 project. Big learning curve ahead for me I’m sure. Fortunately that’s a ways down the road So I have lots of time. A few other engines to build and some other projects to accomplish first

Check this video out. I show the decking and use of a profilometer. Pump Gas 508 Stroker Build: Decking and Finish Honing #mopar #bigblock #440 #440source #stroker ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-EFG_ZMyT2f0.html

I almost said your name, but it’s fixed now! Thanks buddy

@@JustMoparJoe 🤣😂

It worked! Thanks for watching

Thanks, Roger!

Thanks Mark! I learned it the hard way. Ended up buying oversized head gaskets and never looked back.

That’s how my dad taught me

@@JustMoparJoe no better way and I am glad that he did and you're sharing it with us! Thanks again for your time, work, and most importantly the honesty that you use in your videos.

Awesome, Dale. That’s how my dads 440 was in his racecar. It may be that only post 70’s truck blocks had the big chamfer.

Thanks brother. Those cosmetics should be great! Be sure and check their diameter against the bore. I have et noticed small blocks with the severe chamfer before.

Soo...I have a fresh 408 (360 bored. 030) stroker crank, was thinking cometic gaskets, sized .040 bore with .030 compressed thickness. My bores gave irregular chamfers, figure the .040 bore gaskets would ensure no fire rings hang over...am I on the right track?

Thanks for watching!

Thanks for watching brother. I don’t mind a composite gasket if the bore is large enough. I will check all my options and go over the choice during the full build.

Thanks brother. Hope it helps someone!

Thanks Doc! I know when trying to pull that front aluminum timing cover off a small block, it can be welded to the bolts!

@@JustMoparJoe Joe , three weeks ago I was helping a friend of a friend of a friend ( you know how that works) , old California style ski boat with a 440 and a Jet drive. Had to use a air hammer to start chiseling the thing apart . Sat for a “little” while was the phone conversation. Last registration was 1999. Did not party like it I could tell you .

It’s the difference in a 318 and a 440!

Best I’ve ever owned!

Thanks, Brother

Thanks for the help!

Thanks Robert. I think someone had shared that the older 413’s needed that indentation.

Thank you!

Thank you for sharing. Would that be like a 4.0 jeep engine?

4m Toyota 2.6l .machine shop in 1980s had a lot to learn about how put smooth finish on aluminum head.same issue today on aluminum or cast iron if you use mls or all metal gaskets smooth finish required.composition more forgiving.

Thanks for sharing and have a good weekend

Thanks buddy! If you’re block and head surfaces have been smoothed, then MLS is best. They say not to coat them. I will probably give mine a light coat on both sides. If the deck isn’t perfect, the felpros should be good 👍🏼. Definitely call them for the best advice. My 408 has the out of the box felpros! Handled 150 shot just fine, with timing and fuel correct.

Right on Joe Thank you . Block will be square decked and zero decked. Icon pistons are flat tops forged with a .039 compressed head gasket will be exactly 11.5-1 with 65 cc head.

@@NilesJStJohn excellent. I would almost think it’d be more with a flat top at zero deck in a stroker with such a closed chamber head. Tomorrow I’m hoping to make a video measuring the quench and valve to piston clearance in my 400.

Excellent question for felpro. I typically but my Hi performance gaskets through summit. It will have a larger bore size listed there.

I have used them on several engines, but had a failure when I didn’t look for the overhang. It was a bad day at the races!

They do have a coating, but im not sure what it’s made of. I do know that copper coat sticks to it nicely. My wife won’t let me spray her cooking pan to test it 😅

@@JustMoparJoe maybe pick one from a second hand store. I know what ya mean. My wife threatend me w/bodily harm cuz i moved the fridge to the barn... she's gonna kiiill me when she sees where the stove is.. Ima git 'er another one Honest🏴🤑 Thanks Joe!

Thanks for sharing! I’ll check into it.

Bingo!

Thanks for watching

They work well, but be sure the deck and head surfaces are flat. The last thing would be to check if the gasket falls into the bore. The old shim gaskets hang into a big bore 400 and may need trimmed.

I’m not certain on that. I would think these heads probably sat on a shelf and rusted with the Arkansas humidity.

Interesting! Thanks for sharing

Roll cage is perfect now. Thanks for the concern

Glad it helped!

That flap does nothing but aligns with the head. It doesn’t contact the deck surface at all

@@JustMoparJoe thank you very much for quick response! I was really dreading the thought of having to replace the gaskets just for that. Glad I found your channel, you're the only source of info I've found regarding the flaps. Thanks again!

One of the greatest ignored factors is the camshaft and its influence on the engine’s dynamic compression. You can have a high static compression engine with a huge duration with less cylinder pressure than a 10/1 engine and tiny cam. The cylinder fills with air. The cam controls how much air is allowed in and for how long.

@@JustMoparJoe that makes a lot of sense. I hadn’t even thought of that, but it makes total sense. Thank you.

Definitely! I say do what works for you.

No sir. Some holes are made to be blocked off. I always compare gaskets side to side. Look for any markings that say front or block side.

I’m not really sure. The head has that surface machined in that shape. Maybe it’s to help with alignment or rigidity.

I’ve used them on a 11/1 383 before and never had an issue. The guy I sold the car to started spraying the car every weekend with 125 shot and they eventually leaked. That block was never surfaced. It could have had something to do with its failure.

@@JustMoparJoe Should be okay then . I'm not spraying. Mine isn't decked so there's to much clearance. Thanks Joe 😁

I haven’t seen a 383 with one either. I used shim style on the last One I built. I have seen the chamfer on a lot of 440 truck blocks and 400’s.

Interesting! Thanks for sharing

Very nice!

That’s the ballgame folks!

I belive someone shared that it was an older design from 413’s. I’m not really certain.

Thanks brother

Yes sir.That’s what I’ve heard from some guys in the comments. Thanks for watching!

I consider them nice cams. More suited for the street car or truck that wants good vacuum for power brakes. They work well with lower compression engines as well. The complaint I’ve heard is that they don’t have a lumpy enough idle. I used one in the 413 engine build series, and a larger one in the 360 build series. I have sound clips and specs inside those. 👍🏼

My favorite flat tappet cam company is Isky. You can still call and they can advise you on their choice for your build. They will be more expensive, but higher quality.

I’m not sure your question. This engine will be 10/1.

Thanks Mike. Ed and I have a deal worked out, that he doesn’t typically do for his customers. I have been bartering some core parts and stuff that he needed for his builds, in return for his work. If you have some specific questions, shoot him an email. matlock72758@gmail.com

The best that I can afford 😅 and that’s not on back order 😩

I believe they’re really nice when you have two flat surfaces and need to set your quench closer. But I copper coat them religiously.

For a stock rebuild, that blue gasket is OK. I actually ran it with no issues on my old 408, but had aftermarket pistons. They do have some thinner style for the small block.

@JustMoparJoe Thank you for your input man. I subbed to your channel, I love these mopar engines and am trying to learn more about them. I really enjoy your videos

@@chicagorc3967 thanks for watching! I have a small block build coming up

@@JustMoparJoe Look forward to it

Thanks for sharing!

That would be an excellent question for Ed at Ed’s machine. I can’t give you an experienced answer for that.

That’s a new one on me. Thanks for sharing!

Never install a head gasket with oil on them that works only on an old stock engine

Hahah! Should have copper coated it

@@JustMoparJoe hahaha

Thanks Tim! I would love your take on it. Definitely seen fewer small blocks with the chamfer issue.

@@JustMoparJoe I never run my fire ring close to the wall. Some worry about giving up the compression, but I never worry about a head gasket.

Especially if the valves are shrouded by a tight bore. It's not necessary in this application with this sized valve and huge bore size. The heads Im using have been unshrouded professionally to match the cylinder wall and gasket

Yea they get restricted with any gasket. Here’s the actual ones that I’m using. www.summitracing.com/parts/cgt-c5462-027/make/dodge

@@JustMoparJoe Not having a go mate, just pointing out that the slots are VERY small in a lot of gaskets. I recently built a 440 here in the UK, and used a steel shim gasket as I had a block with the Figure of 8 cooling holes, and the steel shim gasket had very large original 60's factory sized cooling holes. From what I have read when the smog era started in the 70's they reduced the slot size to make the heads run hotter to try and reduce emissions. It seems this also led to cooling issues, which was the case in my car. On the issue of steel shim gaskets, I have seen them over 40 years old and they have finally started leaking due to corrosion, but not being blown due to poor sealing. I think the factory fresh blocks were not "Square" back in the day, and so for street engines which see full throttle every now and then, steel shims aren't an issue, and have large cooling holes as a bonus. Obviously, if you are racing, them that might be a different matter. Just offering my experience with these gaskets, which I hope you and your viewers find useful (or not!) Take care 👍👍

@@somebloke13 thanks for sharing. I didn’t sense any hostility in your comment. I may can do a video on differences in blocks throughout the years. 👍🏼

@@JustMoparJoe Glad you weren't offended. I chose the "Heavy Duty" figure of 8 block for that extra cooling, and it's worked great for me. Be interesting to see the other blocks available 👍

The ears won’t fit into the .030 chamfer on each side of this bore.

@@JustMoparJoe we never used a chamfer that wide.But I use a inside mike.

@@dynodon100 some of these old blocks had them. I think it’s post 75 from what I’ve seen. Almost all truck blocks.

How do modern engines work with aluminum heads on iron blocks? Like the 5.7 hemi or some LS’? I’ve only ever seen MLS gaskets on them

Your negative ground bolts to the head....

I tell you hwat

I can’t find evidence to support your claims. Thanks for sharing

@@JustMoparJoe Please go to Berlin leaks and Bruxelles leaks....

You are a one and a million. Thanks for watching

Thanks for sharing. I think the coatings were so infamous back when the shim gasket was used.

😂 I’m not telling, but you’d be surprised