1972 head gasket info

Good Morning, having some issues cleaning up my 72 350 engine. It all started when I decided to just clean the engine, replace 2 bbl with a 4 bbl carb setup and dual exhaust. Ended up pulling motor for easier access. Decided to do some basics, timing chain/sprockets, flush block out, oil pickup tube etc. frost plugs. Found 72 4 bbl intake, carb, throttle cable/bracket etc. no issues so far. Then I did a bone head move. Removed the heads from the block.
Overall the engine is a low mileage unit and is very clean inside. My question now is what is my path forward? The new gaskets are 0.040" practically double the original units. I have the steel TA gaskets but realized they only list to 71. Don't really want to go the machine shop route to get my compression back but I am not sure what my options here are. Tried to research within the small block tech stickies but always come up with an error when I try to open one. Overall this car is a 72 Skylark and will probably never see the strip, just a street car. OK, I would like a decent compression number in order to install a minor cam upgrade. Thanks for any input. Chris.

 

Well now is the time to mill the heads, each .006" wacked off will take off pretty much 1 CC.
What compression are you shooting for?

If your looking for the motor to pull really strong up to 6000 rpm then the Cam you will need to do that will want a 9.5 compression.
For things to bolt back up right once you get to a .040 cut on the heads then your going to need to cut the heads Intake flange also.
With the price of machine work these days milling 4 surface's is going to run you atleast 350.

 

I don’t think a 72 would have a steel shim gasket on a 2 barrel engine. I’m gonna say it’s probably not the original engine. And without block resurfacing, I don’t think the steel shim gasket will last long. It didn’t on mine. Personally, I had heads milled to make up,the difference between the steel shim and a fel pro ,then added some more to increase compression further. Mine was a 72. And has reddish composite gaskets originally.

 

Hi guys, was out in garage to double check everything and I found plenty of errors on my part. Block is original to car with vin stamp and casting # 1231447. The heads are casting number B-1238145. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw one of the old head gaskets still attached to one of the heads. I stand corrected, it is a composite gasket, (don't know where I got the idea it was steel) exactly like alec296 described, reddish/orange in colour. I measured the steel core between cylinders to 0.043". Unfortunately some bad news also was discovered when I discovered 2 cracks in the #2 cyl exhaust valve. I was also shocked at the amount of carbon buildup on all the other exhaust valves. running hot was an issues when I originally bought this car. Found the coolant system was a rusted sludge. Not sure if this valve issue is related. Need to research some more about the heads and the cracking issues I recall reading here. Sorry don't know how to post pictures here but will push myself to learn ASAP. Pulled the engine/trans pack about 4 years ago, to do this quick clean up job. lol. Going to head to cottage on weekend where I have some 350 engines, most disassembled over the years, 69,70 and 71's. May have to switch gears and piece something together. Didn't want to get a machine shop involved to minimize costs but, may have to bite the bullet.

 

Chances are the valve issue is from temperature related. Chances are the radiator is plugged. Helping create the problem. The carbon is 50 year old oil , carbon, and some lead .
68-69 heads and rockers are oiled thru head. If you use them , use the 72 pushrods and rockers. . I personally would still resurface heads, which ever you use.

 

Maybe the cracks on exh. valve edges are from gas going from leaded, to low lead, and now to unleaded, besides the running hot issue. Kind of normal to see that.
Swap out those cracked valves and you'll be good for another 50k.
Use those .020 steel head gaskets for a bump in compression. Check with TA for the correct applications.

 

Hi guy's. OK this may be a big day today maybe my first picture post ever. lol. Here is a picture of the head with the cracked valve. The engine did have an overheating issue and plugged heater core but, did make the 900 mile drive home. Best roadtrip ever. Thought I would out think this issue. Went up to cottage where my heavy parts are kept. Died sliding a 350 up onto the pickup. Got her home, 71 350 4bbl. Unfortunately, found her siezed. Sitting in garage with oil down all cylinders etc. One big question I do have are the rocker arms. These two engines have the cast rocker arms. Are there stamped steel arms for the 350? Not sure if I am getting confused with the 455. All I remember is the stamped ones were the way to go. Just hope the picture post works.

 

Congrats! Your picture is up!
I've seen exh valves crack like that, no big deal.
Oil up bores, hammer the piston tops using a block of wood & see if you can free them up. Might work if you had it stored oiled up.

Those aluminum rockers had a silent recall on them. They wear easily. They have a 1.55 ratio so if they and the shafts are not worn, use them, or possibly make one good set out of both sets. Stamped steel are 1.5 ratio and pre-70's are 1.59.
Steel replacements are always an option.

Sounds like you have enough goodies laying around to work with and put something together.