FEL-PRO head gasket

[1949 Wraith]

My '38 Dodge sedan started blowing some white smoke the yesterday. Cylinders 5 and 6 showing wet plugs.

 

Checking on Rock Auto it seems not much is availble for head gaskets right now. One that is are the FEL-PRO, but these are copper faced with with a sandwich of fiber gasket material inside.

 

Anyone used these and what were your opinions?

 

Thanks

[keithb7]

I have used fel-pro head gaskets. Several times. In my 53 Chrysler, 38 Plymouth and 38 Chrysler. I have no complaints. They work well. I do like to coat them with Permatex copper spray. 

 

 

Edited July 28, 2022 by keithb7

[1949 Wraith]

Thanks Keith I will order some. I use the copper spray as well.

Edited July 28, 2022 by 1949 Wraith

[Sniper]

According to the Montana Mopar boys you only use copper spray on the copper side

 

https://www.moparmontana.com/tech-faq.html

 

Scroll down to the head torque section

Edited July 28, 2022 by Sniper

[desoto1939]

The original MoPAr head gaskets were copper on both sides and also had a middle layer of asbestos.  I have several of my 39 Desoto. When i go to Hershey i look for the 25 inch block and have found NOS for around $10.

 

Rich Hartung

[1949 Wraith]

I ordered a couple of head gasket sets from Rock Auto at $45 each which was alot cheaper than the $78 that a regional guy wanted just fot the head gasket.

[kencombs]

12 hours ago, Sniper said:

According to the Montana Mopar boys you only use copper spray on the copper side

 

https://www.moparmontana.com/tech-faq.html

 

Scroll down to the head torque section

That was also the official Felpro recommendation at one time.   I found it at one time online, but now all the official Felpro videos show only the newer style gaskets, for modern engines, and nothing about ours.  

[Mertz]

I’m getting ready to install the head on my truck. I checked the gasket I bought and it’s a felpro with copper on one side. My other gasket was for the 25” block and was the old style 2 sided copper. I checked the link above and they say the copper side goes against the block and to apply copper coat only on the copper. Is that current practice?  Do I spray the block as well or just the gasket. 
 

They also mentioned using washers which neither of my engines used except at the 2 studs. Should I be adding washers and would that help with torquing.

[Sniper]

Block and gasket get sprayed, copper side only.  Do not use anything on the other side of that Fel Pro gasket.

 

Washers, obviously the factory didn't use them, I do because I think it does a better job than wihtout, your choice there.

[Mertz]

So the copper goes down on the block. Just checked my head bolts and they have a built in shoulder so no washer required 

[DJK]

As a 45 year Nissan Technician I replaced a lot of head gaskets over the years. On the head gasket package it stated "do not use all sorts of liquid packing on gasket"!!! I sprayed both sides of the gasket with copper coat, never an issue. They were cast iron blocks with aluminum heads for the most part.