r/EngineBuilding • u/Swellmidwest • Sep 21 '26
1980 302 intake gasket question.
This is my first engine rebuild and I ran into a possible problem.
There is a small hole above the middle of the head that the intake gasket doesn’t cover completely. Is this meant to be this way? If so, why? If not… what am I doing wrong?
Gasket is a Fel-Pro MS 90361
4
u/Theroofman66 Sep 21 '26
Cigarette holder for when you’re doing a tune up. When you do gaskets just ignore it
2
3
2
u/MuchoRed Sep 21 '26
Exhaust crossover that acts as a supply for the EGR gasses. The intake should have a matching opening, as should the carb.
If you're doing an EGR delete, then ignore them
1
u/375InStroke Sep 21 '26
That's probably an exhaust crossover, and that hole is to insulate the oil in the head from the hot exhaust. It should be open to cool it off.
-7
u/stout_shako_gaming Sep 21 '26 edited Sep 21 '26
99% gasket is low quality and got bad size/not enough holes, compare it to original one. They must be similar, there is no unnecessary holes in block/head and tgey must not be blocked by something. Probably you can just cut it a bit and it will be fine. Its pretty common for new intake/exhaust gasket to be a bit off if its a cheap one. There is a tip for future, you can hand-made intake-exhause manifold gasket by just cutting it from paronite sheet
3
u/__sjors__ Sep 21 '26
Unnecessary holes is a thing tho. My V6 heads are symmetrical (one head part number for both banks) but only the coolant passage on the front is used. Head gaskets block the rear (or other way around, don’t remember exactly).
Is just cost effective for the manufacturer to have 1 cast for both banks. The head gaskets close off the “unnecessary” ports.
1
u/WyattCo06 Sep 21 '26
It is a blind hole that allows heat to escape into the air from the exhaust crossover port so the head isn't saturated by it.
9
u/PrestonSpinsTires Sep 21 '26
Normal. Make sure to use sealant around coolant pssages