Hello All,
I am getting a coolant leak from the intake to head gasket seal area on the drivers front side of my 1970 455 with a W-30 aluminum intake. I have seen both steel and paper gasket replacements. Which one is best for the change and seals completely? Also, who makes the best engine paint for the correct color on a 1970 455?


Thanks, Gene

 

Once again, the factory used the metal "turkey tray" gasket with the W-30 intake. You MUST install it as described in the CSM, which requires a bead of RTV around each of the four water ports in the gasket, on both sides. Also, be sure the four locating features on the outer bolt holes are properly seated in the recesses in the bolt holes in heads. Finally, be sure the intake sealing surface is flat and not pitted.

 

Thanks Joe, That was very helpful.

 

More info relating to what Joe mentions above.....You will likely find that the Felpro metal "turkey tray" gasket WILL NOT sit in ALL 4 locator holes...so..

>DRY FIT THE PIECE FIRST and you may find that one prepunched "locator" hole won't quite line up and drop into the hole in the cylinder head. Typically, it's one of the front holes.

>You can file/remove some of the cupped metal around the stubborn hole (do a little, trial fit, do some more, etc...walk up on it and be patient) and get the metal to sit properly around that hole

Again, TRIAL FIT the thing if you are using the Felpro set....I've had this happen on every one of the Felpro sets I've installed in the last few years (approx 5 sets)...apparently their tooling or punching dies are slightly off on this hole.

 

Thanks Patton, That info will [probably be just as helpful as Joe's. I will most likely be going with the Felpro set since I've trusted them before and never had issues. Your response will save me the time of having to discover that difference and that is very cool.

 

The Felpros do work fine.....I've never had one leak any water. Just a minor "here, let's not make this too easy or quick for the customer" deal