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440 Head Gasket Issue

Posted By: 2RTSE

440 Head Gasket Issue - 06/06/08 01:45 PM

I have a 1978 440 block with 346 heads and need advice/suggestions on what to do about the "extra" water passages they put in these heads.
I have read that these heads were used in RV's and Trucks and the extra water passages were added to cool the area near the spark plugs.
I cannot find a head gasket with the holes as shown in the pics. Can I drill holes in the head gasket to match? Does anyone know where I can get the gasket with all the holes? or, should I not worry about it and just cover up the holes with the standard gasket?
Thanks

Attached File
4471475-440-1  (96 downloads)
Posted By: 2RTSE

Re: 440 Head Gasket Issue - 06/06/08 01:46 PM

2nd pic

Attached File
4471476-440-2  (102 downloads)
Posted By: JohnRR

Re: 440 Head Gasket Issue - 06/06/08 01:59 PM

your pics aren't showing up .

theres some holes in the heads that the gaskets don't have , don't worry about them .
Posted By: dogdays

Re: 440 Head Gasket Issue - 06/06/08 03:36 PM

Just use the doggone gaskets. Disregard any old wives' tales about big block cooling holes.
R.
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: 440 Head Gasket Issue - 06/06/08 03:53 PM

Hell, just mark the spot and drill a hole through the gaskets you have. It have done it with the shim type gaskets before with no problems and I doubt you would have any with the FelPros. Just make sure to file off any burrs left behind before mounting the heads.
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: 440 Head Gasket Issue - 06/06/08 04:46 PM

just built two motors and whent through the same thing i could not find any head gaskets with these holes so i punched them my self, word to the wise do not drill them make a punch and punch them on a block of wood, and by the way it will or should i say it has for me, keep your valve train cooler, which in turn, makes the motor run a little better, and helps keep the engine cooler as a whole. so in short form i can`t figure out why chrysler didn`t have these open from the factory either, but mine will be open from now on.
Posted By: DaytonaTurbo

Re: 440 Head Gasket Issue - 06/06/08 05:28 PM

You can cover the holes with a standard gasket without any ill effects. However, the additional cooling is never a bad thing, so like was suggested, make the holes yourself. But if you feel that's sketchy, just throw the gaskets on as-is.
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