3F Head/Manifold Gasket Q's

[Honger]

I'm looking for some input/opinion on gaskets for a 3F.

When I was still in the UAE I bought a full engine overhaul gasket kit (04111-61080). This gave me EVERY gasket and seal to dress up the engine as needed as I work my way through the truck. The engine runs fine and, right now, doesn't leak oil. But quite a few of the gaskets would be quite handy to have. This includes head gasket 11115-61030 and manifold gasket 17172-61070.

In shipping to the USA the head gasket and manifold gasket were bent...

FIRST QUESTION:
Am I correct in assuming that these are now useless?

So I came across a generous fellow with a blown 3F here who gave me a different gasket set (04112-61050) which includes head gasket 11115-61020 and manifold gasket 17172-61050... all these part numbers appear earlier than the ones I'd bought before. They are listed as applicable to 1984 trucks with a 3F... mine is a 1991.

Some comparison photos...

The heads and manifolds are the same part numbers across the years, but the block is different. The gaskets appear to have the exact same geometrics. However, they are clearly different materials.

SECOND QUESTION:
Are the later model gaskets just a better/superior material? They seems more robust.

THIRD QUESTION
Would these older gaskets be compatible?

So yeah, just asking questions and seeking knowledgable input at this point. Not going to take the head off next week or anything...

 

[Honger]

Anyone? Trash the bent gaskets? Be concerned about the older gasket part numbers not working on my truck?

I'm not diving into the head gasket anytime soon, but I have been thinking of removing the manifolds and cleanings things up a bit.

 

[WarDamnEagle]

I am not a mechanical engineer or mechanic but I am an engineer. I think the bent gasket is fine to use. I think the metallic rings are the only parts that do any actual sealing and I can't see any reason why they won't deform properly and seal under tension when you torque down the bolts. I don't think those wrinkles in the cardboard (or whatever?) material will impact the performance as, again, I don't think that does any sealing. ....but I could be wrong.

 

[JuanJ]

I am not a mechanical engineer or mechanic but I am an engineer. I think the bent gasket is fine to use. I think the metallic rings are the only parts that do any actual sealing and I can't see any reason why they won't deform properly and seal under tension when you torque down the bolts. I don't think those wrinkles in the cardboard (or whatever?) material will impact the performance as, again, I don't think that does any sealing. ....but I could be wrong.

Hello,

x2.

If the gasket were entirely metallic, any warping or defect would compromise the seal.

The metal rings seem intact. Apparently that is the seal area.

As for block numbers, keep in mind that there was a carbureted 3F and an EFI 3F-E. Fuel injection engine blocks differ from carburetor ones in a number of features, including gasket holes. I am not very knowledgeable on the 3F but it is better to double check.

Therefore, older gasket may not be entirely compatible.







Juan