Thick carb gasket vs. thin carb gasket

geauxtigers · Post by **geauxtigers** » Thu Mar 25, 2004 6:54 pm

What is the advantage (if any) to using a think gasket between the carb and the intake manifold? The old stromberg that was on it used a thin one, but when i got this new carb (holley) it came with a thick one. I think that the thick one is too thick for the carb studs and i'm not getting enough tourque on the nuts, preventing a good seal. I picked up a thin one for $2 at the local AZ, but is there any reason i shouldn't use it?? THe only thing i can think of is heat problems, but i'm not exactly sure...

Thanks
-Josh

geauxtigers · Post by **geauxtigers** » Thu Mar 25, 2004 6:56 pm

whoops, forgot to say, its a two barreled carb, and a 318 motor...

Website · Post by **wideblock** » Thu Mar 25, 2004 9:27 pm

the main reason for the thick gasket is heat displacement. but, on some carbs there are vaccume ports that run under the base of the carb, a thin gasket will not give them the flow they need like the one that came with the carb. if you use the thin one, make sure it has all, if any, of the same grooves and spaces the thick one does. if all lines up, then you are good to go thick or thin. you do know that the same autozone you bought the gasket at sells longer studs, right?? personal opinion, id use the thick one iff possible.

geauxtigers · Post by **geauxtigers** » Fri Mar 26, 2004 9:32 am

Thanks for the info trey. Yes i know i can get longer studs, but to be honest with you, i'm just too lazy right now to go do it... 8O Which probably means that i'm going to have to get them later when something breaks and i'm forced to do it...

Thanks again,

-Josh

P.S. One another, somewhat realted note, what, if any, gasket sealer would you reccomend for this? I use the gray stuff for my thermostat housing and such, will it work on the carb, too?

Thanks
-Josh

Post by **Hobcobble** » Fri Mar 26, 2004 11:43 am

Hey Josh,
Don't use any type of gasket sealer for the carb/intake gasket. If you
go with the thicker gasket, get the proper length studs so you don't
strip the short ones out. Make sure the profiles of the original & thick
gaskets are exactly the same.... too small and the butterflies might
not function correctly. Re-read Trey's post and I wouldn't be using any
sealer on the carb gasket.
John

Website · Post by **wideblock** » Fri Mar 26, 2004 7:37 pm

i use a sealer called copper coat. it comes in a spray can and goes on like paint. spray on a thin coat, let it set for a minute and it gets tacky. it isnt anywhere near thick enough to block any passeges, but acts like a mild glue if you will to hold the gasket and the carb down. i dont use any sealer at all on a good manifold surface, but if you have a few small rust pits on yours, like i did, the copper coat works well. do not use any rtv based gasket sealer, its a problem waiting to happen. and be sure you clean the manifold mating surface real well to help insure a nice flat surface to seal on.

Redd · Post by **Redd** » Sat Mar 27, 2004 1:59 am

OK Guys call me crazy but iI coat both sides of the gasket with alittle dish soap. This will cause the gasket to swell just alittle after tourqe. Never failed me yet.

Post by **Hobcobble** » Sat Mar 27, 2004 7:35 am

Redd.... are ya blowin bubbles out your tailpipe?

? I've never
heard of that approach but in the same breath I'm not calling you
crazy either..... do you use just dish soap or add a bit of water?
I've never put anything on or near any carb gaskets.... it I tighten
them and then re-tighten them after a few hours of operation...
they've always worked.
John

geauxtigers · Post by **geauxtigers** » Sat Mar 27, 2004 9:18 am

Thanks guys, I'll work on it today and let you know how it goes.