Engine is a 3800sc Series II, I was looking at my new head gaskets today and they are both the same not specific to either side (pic below, both say R1 on them). I am wondering if I am supposed to have a specific one for each side (R1 and L1) or if they are interchangeable? Did I just get messed up set?
My second question is whether or not I need to use a sealant when install the gasket? The instructions that game with the head bolts said if it is a metal gasket to use a thin coat of sealant and if it is fiber don't use any... but I haven't seen anywhere else that says to use it. If I do what kind do I use?
Third I am wondering if teflon tape will be sufficient to seal the head bolts?
Are there any other gaskets I would be wise to add sealant to for peace of mind?
mine was screwed up. Got a fepro set, and the gaskets were the same. No matter what i did, the right side one would not fit properly. Felpro does not list them as a separate part, but victor lists the head gaskets as right and left. Also, you can buy the right and left felpro ones from zzp. I took pics of how the wrong one sat on the right side head and took them to the guy i bought the gaskets from. He got me a new victor right side head gasket and it was fine after that. You can check out my build thread below. There are some pics and a bit of discussion on this on pages 2 and 3. Hope it helps troy
Thanks guys, I will need to check the fit again on the head gaskets but they seemed to fit fine unlike in your pictures fieroaddicted, as long as all the holes line up it should be fine right? And I will need too look at the head bolts again I don't know how I missed that
I don't believe the "Mismatch is the bolt holes, it's in the COOLANT passages. No sealer on the head gaskets, the head bolts, brush on thread sealer, not tape.
I don't believe the "Mismatch is the bolt holes, it's in the COOLANT passages. No sealer on the head gaskets, the head bolts, brush on thread sealer, not tape.
Thanks thats a good point, those are definitely not symmetrical so I will find another set
I have read countless threads from people complaining about the durability (or lack thereof) of the felpro head gaskets on supercharged 3800 Series 2 and 3 engines. Stock GM head gaskets seem to be very good and that's what I would recommend you get for your engine.
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I don't believe the "Mismatch is the bolt holes, it's in the COOLANT passages. No sealer on the head gaskets, the head bolts, brush on thread sealer, not tape.
Actually the only problem i had was with the alignment dowels. All passages and combustion chambers lined up, except the gasket was "crooked" and did not sit square on the right side cyl head, which left a gap at the top corner.
The only rule of thumb I have went by on gaskets is keeping the "smal hole" on the water pump side of the motor. I believe the felpros can be installed upside down.
GM Gaskets have 2 different part #s stamped in them, so I know they are different. Better to "Nit pick" before hand than to wonder why something's wrong after the fact !
I just went out and looked at a pair of" GM Originals". The Only difference is in the "Alignment Holes", they are 2 different parts #s, but I Cannot see a reason why 2 of the same should not work as long as they fit onto the alignment pins.
I just went out and looked at a pair of" GM Originals". The Only difference is in the "Alignment Holes", they are 2 different parts #s, but I Cannot see a reason why 2 of the same should not work as long as they fit onto the alignment pins.
Like i said, the alignment pins were the only difference i found. Everything lined up otherwise, except the gasket was 1/4 inch lower on the front corner due to the alignment pins being offset.
If the front and rear heads are the same how can the gaskets be different? Larry
The heads are the "same", which means that one is flipped around backwards (not a mirror image) which means that just flipping a gasket to make it work will not work since the alignment pins are in different positions. There is indeed 2 separate gaskets for this engine
If the heads can be identical why can't the gaskets be identical? Larry
The dowel pins on the block are in different spots on each side which meant in my case, that the gaskets would not sit in the proper spot on on the block on the right side. I bought a victor right side gasket, and it fixed my issue.
The red circles are the pin locations and the white are non-symmetrical cutouts on the gasket... The gasket fits each bank the same the only difference are the size of the coolant holes on the ends, I'm not sure if this would cause an issue or not
[This message has been edited by hinesb1890 (edited 07-19-2013).]
not sure what more to say other than that was the issue i had. I could flip it upside down or rightside up and it didn't matter how it was put on the block. Everything still lined up perfect, other than the gasket sat low on the front corner. If i flipped it, it would sit low in the upper rear corner.
Make sure to get the heads milled/flattened for best results.
I used a heavy coat of copper spray on both sides of the felpro gasket as well as the heads and block. Head studs with teflon tape on the threads going into the block. Had the heads milled with a super fine cut. Still holding strong 11 months later with lots of boost. (knock on wood)
Make sure to get the heads milled/flattened for best results.
I used a heavy coat of copper spray on both sides of the felpro gasket as well as the heads and block. Head studs with teflon tape on the threads going into the block. Had the heads milled with a super fine cut. Still holding strong 11 months later with lots of boost. (knock on wood)
Did you check to make sure the block deck was flat? Is it it just the heads that usually warp?
(knock on wood)
