head gask. coolant holes ?

[p.dow]

is it correct that the head gasket material does not have holes (4) to allow water passage between the block and head ? these are the nickle size holes top and bottom of the block/head.
it seems that i have had a gasket failer on both sides were water has leaked between the block/gasket/head into the valley (front of motor).

i am wondering why the gasket blocks the passages between the head/block ?

thanks
paul

86 T-type
built .30 over, 212/212, te63, etc.

 

[wagon]

I've had the same question. Right now I am running NA heads. The only difference is that the NAs don't have the bridge across the water jacket. Also It does not have the holes in the corners. I thought AHA! I found a significant difference, then I noticed that the gasket blocks off these holes. Never found out why though. I was going to poke a hole in it, but was afraid of what the consequences might be.

Brian

P.S. Sorry to add to the confusion, instead of clearing it up.

 

[FJM568]

Originally posted by wagon
I've had the same question. Right now I am running NA heads. The only difference is that the NAs don't have the bridge across the water jacket. Also It does not have the holes in the corners. I thought AHA! I found a significant difference, then I noticed that the gasket blocks off these holes. Never found out why though. I was going to poke a hole in it, but was afraid of what the consequences might be.

Brian

P.S. Sorry to add to the confusion, instead of clearing it up.

If your NA heads don't have the bridge across the water passage, then they are the early 3.8L heads...ALL of the later 3.8L heads have the bridge across the water passage...

And btw there is really no difference between "NA" and "turbo" heads, they are all the same, except for different spec valve springs on the turbo head, otherwise NO difference...They must be the 8445 casting...