'62 FI intake manifold gaskets

[John Nuzzo]

After 22 yrs of high oil consumption, I am finally getting around to checking the intake manifold gaskets on my '62 FI car. I THINK that I need to use FELPRO #1204 with the BLOCKED heat crossover, but it has been 22 yrs since since I rebuilt that engine, and I am not sure if there is a special gasket application for the FI manifold.....Any advice greatly appreciated. John Nuzzo #42038

[Joe L.]

Re: '62 FI intake manifold gaskets

John-----

Yes, special gaskets are required but the only thing special about them is the blocked heat riser passage. I recommend using gaskets that have a stainless steel "plate" as the block-off mechanism, rather than just gaskets with no hole at the crossover. I think that these more effectively "seal" the crossover port and prevent more rapid deterioration of the gasket material.

If you are having high oil consumption due to gasket leakage, the root problem may not be with the gaskets. When you remove the manifold, check for interference between the manifold bolts and the top surface of the manifold bolt hole. This may be evidenced by thread impressions on the top surface of the manifold bolt hole or just be evidence of galling at the top surface of the hole.

If you find this condition, then you will need to slightly elongate the bolt holes at the top in order to relieve the interference.

[Mike M.]

Re: '62 FI intake manifold gaskets

fi base plate to head gaskets identical to the non fi gaskets.no need to concern yourself with blocking crossover as the design of the base plate disallows any crossover. i'd use the repo plate to head gasket if you intent is to have the old girl judged as the repo's have the exposed tab on each side that the judges look for. if its not to be judged, any gasket will do. most oil comsumption related to base plate or intake manifolds for that matter are located for and aft of the plate where the plate seals against the top of the cylinder case.the rubber seals for and aft will leak oil of the seals "blow out" or if the seals weren't properly located the last time the plate was reinstalled. good luck, mike

[John Nuzzo]

Re: '62 FI intake manifold gaskets

Thanks Joe & Mike for the input..............I'll give it a try. P.S. Nope, I don't intend on showing the car..............never have except twice when I went to a show and didn't want to park it in the lot so I entered it. Took a first and a third place.....neither was NCRS of course.The judges couldn't believe I had the trunk full of normal junk...........I didn't have any idea why they wanted me to open my trunk.