Head Gaskets, right or wrong?

[LLEnchanter]

Hi Everyone,

I have an older 2.4 225, probably around '81 or maybe '82, serial # 517073. Number 6 cylinder head gasket blew right out, causing loss of compression in that cylinder. I looked up the part number for new head gaskets found the following 27-96541 which supersedes to 27-41244T02. I get the new head gaskets today and I compare them with the old, blown one, there is a slight difference. The smaller water h9oles are smaller on the newer gasket than on the gasket I took off. Are these new gaskets updated compared to what was there? Is it ok to run them without having any trouble or should I send them back. See attached photos for the difference.

[Dave S]

you are lucky to get gaskets for that old of a motor..... use em'.......later merc gaskets are nla.....prob les holes for better control of side movement..... The only take # 30 lbs on old motors.... make sure the heads are flat/w in .20......

[rochelle howell]

That's a big difference, I'd question that, also.

[Merc 2.5]

Get the right gasket. I just ordered 2 of the old schools little less than yr ago. They r still out there. , make sure gasket has all them holes like old one
I guess it does have all its holes but smaller , looks fishy, if I couldn't find the correct match then I'd try it

[TEXAS20225]

ive been to the dance your in i agree totally with Dave use them because there are no right gaskets for the nearly 30 year old motor if you can find them at all and parts availability is getting smaller every year. i had several of this style early block and every stinking one of them leaked the last ones i had i got head gaskets from promarine and they were a good 1/8 inch too big all around the perimeter of both heads i made a couple phone calls to tech department but there were no options except mercury and head gaskets cost more from them then i gave for the complete power .here is what they told me to do we know how big they are being manufactured but no one else will make them any more just use the peanut butter style sealant (thats what us old guys called its purple with brush attached the cap and very messy ) on it and if it leaks we will give your money back and the both leaked on the perimeter bolts i kept tightening them and they finally quit many of that style block has the head bolt boss's on the sleeves that are distorted and will never seal good luck mister

[Dave S]

I like the prupple/bush.... but I use red in the spraycan.....just make sure the head is flat........

[Merc 2.5]

If Texas says run it then u will b fine

[Capt.Insane-o]

Those are fine..if anything they help keep the water block side longer.

[LLEnchanter]

Look at what I found..... note that the part number on this picture is the exact same part number I ordered and received. Thank you all for your replies and input. I guess I'm just going to use what I have and take it from there..........................John

[Merc 2.5]

Look at what I found..... note that the part number on this picture is the exact same part number I ordered and received. Thank you all for your replies and input. I guess I'm just going to use what I have and take it from there..........................John

I knew I ordered 2 while back as a direct replacement

[LLEnchanter]

Thank you everyone, all you input is valuable. I put those gaskets on, started the engine and let it run for a few minutes, then went to re-torque the head bolts. I did not really like the way they torqued in the first place, but when re-torquing, I really didn't like. I've decided to order new head bolts, which I should have done in the first place. Thank you again for your input, You all take care.

[Merc 2.5]

B very careful torquing those heads. It will damn near pull sleeve out! Not really but will warp it, the bolts go in cyl

[seansbaja1982]

Merc HP gasket on Ebay. Part # 27-18350 they are a tad thinner.