So...sounds like Fel Pro is the head gasket to avoid...Which is the one to get?  I figured Mummert sold the best one and, at least that's what it's called.  Which is the one to get?

I use the Best Gasket brand gaskets for the Ford Y.  The part number for the individual ‘BG’ FYB head gaskets is 572G.  Those particular head gaskets are good for up to a 3.860” bore.  Bst Gskt also makes head gaskets for the Y for the larger bores if necessary.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

Where do you order them from?  

I am all set to order the gaskets but the distributors listed on the Best Gaskets website are the sketchiest I've seen since 1999.  A dead link that told me that my account had been suspended, the only one that will allow me to order anything is EGGE and they want $42 for GROUND shipping?  Half of them are just email addresses... 

Shipping has gotten crazy.  I needed a freeze plug set for my 312, and went to O'Reileys to get a MPE-111BR brass freeze plug set, and they cost $9.97, but would have to be shipped in for $11.95 from Melling.  Shipping would be more than the item.  I refused, and found the same parts at another parts house in stock.  I ordered a dipstick tube for the 312 Y, and the shipping was almost the same price as the tube.  Thanks to the present Administration for all this.   Joe-JDC

JDC

Unless you need the part "yesterday," it pays to shop around. 

"FREE SAMPLE"

Now is the time to stock up on parts, look at swap meets,  E Bay and other sights, good parts at good prices are still around (hard to find) this problem is only going to get worst.

ive got a lot of stuff at swap meets over the years.its starting to dry up a bit as this stuff gets older.a lot of it is caused by hoaders.they dont have one spare but 10

MAN ALIVE!  I've been locked out for a few days and finally Ted was able to get my password reset...

I ordered some of the Best Gaskets but I've never had a tougher time buying ANYTHING in my life.  Even beer when I was underage!
Most of the "distributors" on the website didn't list the Best brand gaskets and if they did there was no way to order them...I finally got so annoyed I called Mooneyes to see if they could get them.  Probably paid too much but I'd rather be looking AT them than looking FOR them.  

Now...
Would YOU drive it the way it is?  I'm getting mixed opinions from people- on the one hand a mechanic at work said that if it's not overheating and the leak isn't bad to make the most out of the last month or so of cruising season...Another very knowledgeable guy about all things mechanical said that I run the risk of warping something.  As it sits, it seems like it's very little seepage, when I touch between the #1 and #2 cylinders it doesn't really feel wet - maybe "moist"- with a faint smell of coolant on the finger.  Seems like the only issue is this mild external leak.  Would THAT get hot enough to warp something?  Also, if it matters, 29.5" tire with 4.27 gears means about 3300 RPMs on the highway.  Will that have any effect on this issue?

Thanks again.  

You are taking some risk but in general, a small leak should be fine for another month or so.  Just keep an eye on it.  If you drive it daily, get a feel for how fast the coolant leaks out and top it off frequently based on that.  Pay attention to the temperature gauge and if one day the temp just climbs, use your best judgement about what to do.  Maybe you can get to a store and put some distilled water or 50/50 antifreeze in and get home or maybe it needs to be towed.  In that scenario, if you plan to fix it very soon, use distilled water because it is cheap.  If it may be a while before you get to it, get the 50/50.

I've done all of the above at one time or another.



Lawrenceville, GA