Gasket query
Hi guys, a few months back I had a major overheating issue on my Ford 351 Windsor V8 short block and got some really great help and advice from Ausfish members! Everything went well repair wise and though the boat is now charging about the Bay quite happily I am a little concerned about the inlet manifold gaskets I used!
Whilst the motor is as described above, it is coupled to a Volvo Penta cooling system in terms of the outlet manifolds and exhaust risers and all the associated "marinised" gaskets etc.
The Volvo gasket kit (P/N 3853913) for the inlet manifold (valley) became obsolete a few years ago and after four weeks on the phone, the internet and emails around the world I had to give up on the marinised product and instead fit the standard gasket kit befitting a motor in a vehicle, not a boat!
And it has worked well with no signs of performance drop off, leaks etc.
But ....................... I spoke to the original boat dealer recently and he says it is essential to get the marinised gasket kit (not possible) but my thinking is that this part of the engine setup is just a standard old manifold bolting either side onto the cylinder heads and there is nothing special about this part so why all the fuss about having to be marinised?
Of course once you start talking about the cooling hardware I appreciate it is a whole new ball game but can somebody clarify my thinking here maybe as to why this particular gasket has to be marinised?
These motors do run a lot cooler than what you would find in a road vehicle - around 60-70C - but I couldn't see that being a big issue?
Trust I have explained it reasonably clearly ............... hope!
Thanks all!
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Originally Posted by gunna
