NOS Head Gasket Install

southpw · Post by **southpw** » Sat May 14, 2016 3:54 pm

So I have, what i believe is, a NOS head gasket i am almost ready to install and wondered if any sealabt should be used for install. Every thread i can find only talks about the new steel or copper gaskets. Are they better? Should i buy one of those instead? I would think original should work just fine. Heres a few pics

southpw · Post by **southpw** » Sat May 14, 2016 3:59 pm

Also, should steel enforcement between cylinders 1-2 and 3-4 have solid steel to the block or to the head? You can see a picture in above post where steel does not connect and the other side it does.

southpw · Post by **southpw** » Sat May 14, 2016 4:25 pm

All my questions are answered in TM9-1804A on page 94-95. No mention of sealant so I will install dry. Hoping this gasket will last a long time.

Post by **wesk** » Sat May 14, 2016 9:55 pm

Good assumption. Unless the gasket directions specify the use of a sealant then don't use a sealant.

oilleaker1 · Post by **oilleaker1** » Mon May 16, 2016 4:12 am

Never seen one like yours. I hate the steel , one sided felpros. The fiber ones have worked fine for me, but they had a complete metal surround on the inner cylinder areas. I've also had good luck with the new copper gaskets. If they blow/leak, it's usually between cylinders. Next one I install will be copper. Just my opinion. John

Post by **wesk** » Mon May 16, 2016 2:00 pm

This SB is for the F134 but there's enough similarity it may help:

southpw · Post by **southpw** » Mon May 16, 2016 5:05 pm

The TM states to install with logo facing up which would have crimped side of steel facing up. But your posted service bulletin states crimped side facing down. I looked up Detroit gasket and mfg company but found nothing. Since i have no manufacturers instructions, i will install as per the service bulletin. If it wasnt for that, i would have installed crimped side up.
Fingers crossed. I plan on painting before reassembly so may make another trip out to Brian Asbury as i know he has a few different head gaskets on hand.

oilleaker1 · Post by **oilleaker1** » Mon May 16, 2016 5:27 pm

I see it said to retorque after the engine reached operating temperature.

There has been much discussion on letting it cool down after reaching this temp before retorqueing. I find this comforting because I retorque while it's hot. I do it again after driving it a week or so. While it's hot! Works well for me. John

southpw · Post by **southpw** » Mon May 16, 2016 6:47 pm

Thanks for that first hand experience. I will do the same.

Post by **wesk** » Mon May 16, 2016 11:39 pm

Did you note the date of the SB? Did you note that it applies to the F-134?

I noticed your head gasket was part of Engine overhaul gasket set A-1537 which is for the WWII jeeps. This set included Head Gasket WO# A-8558.

The gasket set for the M38 is WO# 648054, ORD# 7372555 or FSN 2805-737-2555. The head gasket in this set is WO# 638540

I have seen a factory letter warning about early vs late head gaskets for the L-134. Can't seem to locate a copy now.

45auto · Post by **45auto** » Tue May 17, 2016 3:29 pm

Following up with what Wes has said--there are different Head Gasket part numbers for the MB-GPW and Early CJ2A engines or Smooth Head and later Ribbed Heads. Attached are the part numbers I have on early vs late head gaskets. Looks to me, you need to source a late L-Head head gasket.

All the neat columns that tells what fits what does not show up here. If Wes can post a chart, I can send him a clipping of the file in Excel format.

Part Group Part Type Part Description MB 2A 3A 35 3B J5 38 A1 Manufacture Part Number Remarks About The Part

MB-GPW Early CJ2A Fel-Pro 7267 B For the Smooth Cylinder Head
Late CJ2A--CJ3A--M38 Fel-Pro 7285 B Ribbed Cylinder Head--Recommended for Heavy Cylinder Over-Bores .060--.080 etc.
MB-GPW--Early CJ2A McCord 6080 For the Smooth Cylinder---Medal on Both Sides
Late CJ2A--CJ3A--M38 Victor 1023 K Has Water Jacket Slots on Right Side of Engine

Post by **wesk** » Wed May 18, 2016 7:15 am

Harold,
My email addy is at the bottom of my posts. Just email the file to me and I'll get it up on our downloads page.

southpw · Post by **southpw** » Wed May 18, 2016 2:50 pm

Thanks Harold and Wes. I am going to try and source out another gasket. I would feel more confident with a gasket that has a full metal surround around the cylinder.
Brad

Post by **wesk** » Wed May 18, 2016 3:17 pm

Here's the new downloads link: http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules. ... it&lid=166