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308 Head Gasket Help!!
  • 5433HET5433HET
    Posts: 171Expert Adviser
    I was going to install my freshly milled and epoxy red painted cylinder head tonight on my '54 308.........but NOOOO..... while checking the gasket alignment on the head and block, I noticed a group of coolant holes did not line up with the gasket. Actually, every OTHER trio of these holes DID line up, in a repeating pattern. I believe this is an old replacement style gasket, and I did not want to install it until I heard some opinions! So please...... has anyone seen this alignment problem? Of course, it does not go away if I flip the gasket. The gasket is secured properly in all four corners to show actual alignment... AND... I no longer have the original gasket to compare. Thanks for any help!
    Scott
  • walts garage-53
    Posts: 1,488Platinum Member
    Are you sure you have a 308 head gasket? 262's from 48 to 1950 are narrow blocks and gasket will not line up on a 308. 51 up 232's and 262's are wide blocks like the 308 but gaskets will not work on the 308's. Get your gasket from Dale Cooper. Walt.
  • 5433HET5433HET
    Posts: 171Expert Adviser
    What gasket do people use when using a 262 head on a 308? Wouldn't the gasket be the same if the heads interchange?
  • Ken U-Tx
    Posts: 1,171Platinum Member
    No, you must use a 308 head gasket with a 308 block. The 262 gasket with its smaller bore will have the fire ring sticking inside the bore, not good. I think you may have the 48-50 narrow block 262 head gasket, thus the mismatched holes.
  • ArkieJazzArkieJazz
    Posts: 310Gold Member
    Just order a correct new gasket from Dale Cooper and be done with it
    Arkie
  • 5433HET5433HET
    Posts: 171Expert Adviser
    Okay, Thanks for your help!