Model A & B
Ford Garage
Cylinder Head Gasket Guide
Model A Ford cylinder head gaskets were originally supplied by Victor and McCord, as well as produced by the Ford Motor Company. They were originally produced in both copper and brass.
All original Model A head gaskets were a sandwich construction of copper or brass with a white asbestos filler. They were all stamped with the Ford script, as well as the manufacturer's mark and gasket number.
In 1932, Detroit Gasket and Mfg. Co. was added to the supplier list, producing the Model B head gasket using their 'steelbestos' construction of steel-reinforced grey asbestos with crimped steel fire rings, and having no metal sandwich. These gaskets were also stamped with the Ford script, and sometimes also with 'Made in USA'.
In addition to Ford authorized gaskets, a variety of aftermarket suppliers produced head gaskets for Model A and B Ford engines.
There are three important considerations when selecting the proper head gasket.
- The gasket profile must properly match the combustion chamber of the cylinder head. The hem or fire rings cannot extend into the chamber. An exposed edge of the gasket hanging into the chamber will result in a burned gasket and likely failure. This is especially important to check when using aftermarket heads having non-stock combustion chamber shapes.
- The gasket bore size after installation must exceed the cylinder bore size to prevent piston contact, and also must clear any oversized valve head diameters. It is especially important to check against any blocks which have large overbores.
- When using either a Model B head or a Model B cylinder block, it is important to confirm that the selected gasket will properly cover and seal the two 1/4" 'steam' holes (actually manufacturing holes) on either side of the center stud location, in order to prevent water leakage into the cylinder, and to prevent exhaust leakage into the coolant which would cause engine overheating.
Summarized below are head gasket brands, numbers, construction, and gasket bore sizes for a variety of gaskets produced from 1928 through the 1970's, as well as a few more recent examples.
This is the most comprehensive data ever presented on the internet relating to Model A and B Ford head gasket interchange. The data is based on numerous vintage gasket manufacturer catalogs, as well as the many varieties and variations of NOS and new head gaskets in my (150+ piece) collection.
Model A Cylinder Head Gaskets:
Model A Ford head gaskets below were used on 1928-31 Model A Ford engines. In addition, they were used on Gleaner Baldwin combines which were powered by Model A Ford engines, including the 1930-35 Model R-A, the 1936-38 Model NA and NR, and the 1939-43 Model E, F, 9H, and 9J combines.
| Brand | Part Number | Gasket Bore |
Construction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ford | A-6051-A | 3-15/16 | Copper, white asbestos core, Ford script |
| Ford | A-6051-A | 3-15/16 | Brass, white asbestos core, Ford script |
| McCord | 5559 | 3-15/16 | Copper, white asbestos core, hemmed edge, Ford script, Replaced by 5571 |
| McCord | 5571 | 4 | Copper, white asbestos core, Good for large oversize bore |
| Victor | 800-C | 3-61/64 | Copper, white asbestos core |
| Victor | 800 C1 | 3-61/64 | Copper, white asbestos core |
| Victor | 800-D | 3-61/64 | Brass, white asbestos core |
| Victor | 800-S C1 | 3-61/64 | Steel, white asbestos core |
| Allstate | 4040 | Victor 800-S, steel, white asbestos core, Sears Roebuck store brand |
|
| Allstate | 4040 | 3-61/64 | Victor 800-S C1, steel, white asbestos core, Sears Roebuck store brand |
| Victor | 800-R | Steel one-sided, white asbestos core, hemmed, 'Metalbac' | |
| Fitzgerald | 1000DC | 3-15/16 | Copper, white asbestos core |
| Fitzgerald | 1000 | 4 | Steel, white asbestos core, Good for large oversize bore |
| Fitzgerald | 1000L | 4 | Steel, tin plated, white asbestos core, Good for large oversize bore |
| Wizard | RR6081 | 4 | Fitzgerald 1000, steel, white asbestos core, Good for large oversize bore, Western Auto store brand |
| Stamco | 2028-S | Steel, tin plated, white asbestos core | |
| Fel-Pro | 7013 S Steel |
3-61/64 | Steel, tin plated, white asbestos core |
| Fel-Pro | 7013 Copper |
3-61/64 | Copper, white asbestos core filler |
| Fel-Pro | 7013 R1 | 3-61/64 | Copper, white asbestos core filler |
| Fel-Pro | 7013 R2 | 4-1/16 | Copper, Steel reinforced & metal reinforced grey Pro-Ramic composition filler, Big bore, siamese blow outs are common, Recommended for very large oversize bore. Recommended by Brumfield for his heads. |
| Fel-Pro | 7013 R3 | 4-1/16 | Copper, Steel reinforced & metal reinforced graphite composition filler, Big bore, siamese blow outs are common, Recommended for very large oversize bore. Recommended by Brumfield for his heads. |
| Fel-Pro | 7013 R4 | Copper, Steel reinforced & metal reinforced graphite composition filler, Recommended by Brumfield for his heads. |
|
| arfra | 28510 | Dark grey reinforced asbestos, steel fire rings, (Made in Argentina) | |
| Juntas | 519 519-55-22-11 |
Steel one-sided, tin plated top and fire rings, dark grey asbestos core, (Made in Argentina) | |
| Payen | 1097 | ? | Copper, white asbestos core, (Made in England) |
| Excelsior | 914 | 98mm | Copper, white asbestos core, hemmed edge, (Made in France) |
| Excelsior | 40914 | 98mm | Steel & copper, white asbestos core, hemmed edge, (Made in France) |
| Best | 509C | 4-1/32 | Copper, white asbestos core, marked 'Made in England', vintage |
| Best | 509C | 4 | Copper, black graphite sheet core, 'Made in USA', Clears larger size valves, Minimal water jacket to combustion sealing on right hand side |
| Best | 509G | 4 | GraphTite expanded MBG graphite facings on steel, steel fire rings, 'Made in USA', Clears larger size valves, Minimal water jacket to combustion sealing on right hand side |
| Snyders | A-6051-M | Steel reinforced grey composition, steel fire rings, Red Silicone bead water seal, Not Recommended, prone to leaking and self destruction |
Model A High Compression Cylinder Head (Police) Gaskets:
The characteristic distinction of the cylinder head gasket for the Model A Ford high compression police head (marked with a large letter 'B') is the revised combustion chamber opening shape closely following the valves to fit the 5.2 : 1 high compression ratio A-6050-B cylinder head.
| Brand | Part Number | Gasket Bore |
Construction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ford | A-6051-B | Copper, white asbestos core | |
| Victor | 850 | Copper, white asbestos core | |
| Fitzgerald | 1156 | 3-63/64 | Copper, white asbestos core |
| Fitzgerald | 1156L | 3-63/64 | Steel, tin plated, white asbestos core |
Model B Cylinder Head Gaskets:
The characteristic distinction of the Model B Ford cylinder head gasket is the revised combustion chamber opening shape around the valves and the addition of two 1/4" 'steam' holes (actually manufacturing holes) next to the center head stud, matching the 'steam' holes in the Model B cylinder head and the Model B engine block.
The Model B style head gaskets are also suitable for use on the 1948-54 Claas Mähdrescher agricultural combines produced in Germany using the Köln G28T BB engine.
When using either a Model B cylinder head (marked with a large letter 'C') or a Model B block (having a RH side fuel pump boss), it is important to use a Model B head gasket which properly seals the two center steam hole openings.
Important Note:
Most Model A head gasket profiles do not properly cover the two center 'steam' holes (actually manufacturing holes) in the Model B head and block, and are unable to effectively seal those holes.
The use of a Model A gasket profile with a Model B head and/or Model B block often results in water leaking into the cylinders, and/or exhaust gas leaking into the coolant and causing engine overheating!
Check for water in the (milky) oil, and for foaming coolant or bubbles in the radiator!
| Brand | Part Number | Gasket Bore |
Construction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ford | B-6051 | 3-15/16 | Detroit Gasket 'steelbestos', Steel reinforced grey asbestos core, Steel fire rings, Ford script, Made in USA |
| Ford | BG-6051 | Köln Germany head gasket originally for 7.0 : 1 CR, Gas Compressor (wood gas) conversion on Model B block, Optional with standard B gasket |
|
| Ford | G087TG-6051 | Köln Germany head gasket originally for 8.5 : 1 CR, Gas Compressor (wood gas) conversion on G28T block |
|
| Victor | 900 C1 |
3-63/64 | Copper, white asbestos core, stamped large outline "C", Correct original Model B combustion chamber shape |
| Victor | 900-R C2 | 3-15/16 | Steel one-sided, white asbestos core, Hemmed, 'Metalbac' style, Correct original Model B combustion chamber shape |
| Victor | 900 | 4 | Copper, white asbestos core, Good for large oversize bore Model A shape, but with two added steam holes Typical 1970s-80s vintage |
| Victor | 900 C2 | 4 | Copper, white asbestos core, Good for large oversize bore Model A shape, but with two added steam holes Typical 1970s-80s vintage |
| McCord | 5737 Copper |
4-1/32 | Copper, white asbestos core, Good for large oversize bore |
| McCord | 5737 Steel |
4-1/32 | Steel, white asbestos core, Good for large oversize bore |
| Fitzgerald | 1300C | ? | Copper, white asbestos core |
| Fitzgerald | 1300DC | 3-63/64 | Copper, white asbestos core |
| Fitzgerald | 1300 | 4-1/64 | Steel, white asbestos core, 'Aluma-fused steel oxide' style, Good for large oversize bore |
| Fel-Pro | 7014 | 3-15/16 | Steel reinforced core & grey asbestos, steel fire rings |
| Fel-Pro | 7014 R1 | 4 | Steel reinforced core & grey asbestos, steel fire rings, Good for large oversize bore |
| Payen | 1404 | ? | Copper, white asbestos core, (Made in England), Correct original Model B combustion chamber shape |
| Payen | ? | ? | Copper, white asbestos core, (Made in England), Non-original Model B combustion chamber shape |
| Payen | 1A454 | ? | Grey asbestos & steel, steel fire rings (?), (Made in England), Correct original Model B combustion chamber shape |
| Excelsior | 530 | 98mm | Copper, white asbestos core, (Made in France), Correct original Model B combustion chamber shape |
| Excelsior? | 75346 | Steel & copper, white asbestos core, (Made in France?), Correct original Model B combustion chamber shape |
|
| Excelsior | 930 | 98mm | (Made in France) |
| Best | 573C | 3-15/16 | Copper, white asbestos core, marked 'Made in England', vintage Correct original Model B combustion chamber shape |
| Best | 573C |
4 | Copper, black graphite sheet core, 'Made in USA', Incorrect (Model A) combustion chamber shape, Clears larger size valves, Minimal water jacket to combustion sealing on right hand side |
| Best | 573G |
4 | GraphTite expanded MBG graphite facings on steel, steel fire rings, Made in USA, Incorrect (Model A) combustion chamber shape, Clears larger size valves, Minimal water jacket to combustion sealing on right hand side |
| Snyders | B-6051-M | 4 | Steel reinforced grey composition, steel fire rings, Red Silicone bead water seal, Not Recommended, prone to leaking and self destruction, Does not properly seal center 'canoe' port in head |
Overhead Valve Cylinder Head Gaskets
(Miller-Schofield, Cragar, Morton & Brett, Alexander, McDowell, etc.):
The characteristic distinction of an Overhead Valve cylinder head gasket for the Model A and B Ford is the round combustion chamber opening shape and absence of valve clearance. The Overhead Valve head has all the valves in the head, operated by push rods through the gasket holes.
| Brand | Part Number | Gasket Bore |
Construction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Victor | 1225 C2 | 3-61/64 | Steel & copper, white asbestos core, Morton & Brett, Miller |
| Victor | 1409 | 4-1/16 | Copper, white asbestos core, Morton & Brett |
| McCord | 5621 | Copper, white asbestos core, Morton & Brett, Miller |
|
| Fitzgerald | 1084M | 3-15/16 | Copper, white asbestos core, Morton & Brett |
| Fitzgerald | 0261 | 4-1/16 | Steel, white asbestos core |
F Head Cylinder Head Gaskets
(Riley, Roof Cyclone, etc.):
The characteristic distinction of an F Head cylinder head gasket for the Model A and B Ford is the combustion chamber opening shape around the valves. The F Head has the intake valves in the head, and the exhaust valves in the block.
When using a Model B block, it is important to note if the head gasket properly aligns with and seals the two 1/4" 'steam' holes next to the center head stud in the block.
| Brand | Part Number | Gasket Bore |
Construction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Victor | 1400 | Copper, white asbestos core, Riley |
|
| McCord | 5929 | Copper, white asbestos core, Riley |
|
| Fitzgerald | 1125 | R. & R., Grant, Roof Cyclone, Riley 2 port | |
| Fitzgerald | 1445M | 4 | Steel & copper, white asbestos core, Large valve opening, Riley 4 port |
| Fitzgerald ? | 4-3/32 | Steel, white asbestos core | |
| Best | 742G | GraphTite & steel, copper fire rings, Made in USA, for Yapp Riley 2-Port head | |
| Best | 745 | GraphTite & steel, steel fire rings, Made in USA, for Riley 2/4-Port heads | |
| Best | 748G | GraphTite & steel, steel fire rings, Made in USA, for Yapp Roof 101 Cyclone head | |
| Best ? | Yapp | 4 | Steel reinforced grey asbestos core, steel fire rings, Made in USA |
British Model AF and BF Small Bore Cylinder Head Gaskets:
The characteristic distinctions of the British Model AF and BF Ford small-bore cylinder head gaskets are the 3" bore size and the combustion chamber opening shape around the valves and water jackets. The following illustration and pics show an AF gasket and a BF gasket.
The 1928-32 Model AF head gasket will properly fit only a Model AF block and head.
| Ford Model |
Brand | Part Number | Gasket Bore |
Construction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AF | Ford | AF-6051 | Copper, white asbestos core | |
| AF | Victor | 725 C2 | 3-1/8 | Copper, white asbestos core |
| AF | McCord | 5458C | Copper, white asbestos core | |
| AF | Excelsior | 80916 | Copper, white asbestos core, (Made in France) | |
| AF | Excelsior | 916 | 77.5mm | Copper, white asbestos core, hemmed edge, (Made in France) |
| AF | JMF | 6051AF | 77.5mm | Steel, white asbestos core, copper fire rings, (Made in France?) |
The 1932-35 Model BF head gasket will only fit a Model BF block and head.
The water jacket openings on the top right hand side of the Model BF engine are also substantially larger than those of a Model A, AF, or B engine block and head. This is evident along the bottom of the gasket in the pic below when comparing the gasket and valve pockets to other Model A and B gaskets.
Additionally, the small bore Model BF was identified in France as the Model ANF.
| Ford Model |
Brand | Part Number | Gasket Bore |
Construction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BF | Ford | BF-6051 | Copper, white asbestos core | |
| BF | Payen | 1420 | 3-3/16 | Copper, white asbestos core, (Made in England) |
| BF | Payen | 1656 | ? | Copper, white asbestos core (?) |
| ANF | Excelsior | 1109 | Copper, white asbestos core, hemmed edge, (Made in France) | |
| ANF | Excelsior | 81109 | Steel & copper, white asbestos core, (Made in France) | |
| ANF | Excelsior? | ? | Steel & copper, white asbestos core, (Made in France?) | |
| BF | ? | ? | 77.5mm | Grey asbestos & steel core, steel fire rings |
German Model G28T Air Compressor Cylinder Head Gaskets:
The characteristic distinctions of the German Model B and G28T Ford air compressor cylinder head gaskets are the size and the shape of the cylinder openings around two pair of adjacent cylinders.
The two rear cylinders are used for pumping air, and their gasket openings are shaped for the compressor reed valves. The two front cylinders are used for engine combustion operation and their gasket openings are conventionally shaped for the stock poppet valves.
See (this link) on Ford Garage for an actual German G28T air compressor engine which would use this type of cylinder head gasket.
| Ford Model |
Brand | Part Number | Gasket Bore |
Construction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G28T | Goetze | 8114 | Steel, asbestos core? |
More related information on Ford Garage:
- For more Model A & B related information, use the Site Search box at the top or bottom of this page.
- Model A Original Head Gasket Details
- Model A & B Fel-Pro 7013 Cylinder Head Gaskets
- Model A Brumfield Cylinder Head and Gaskets
- Model A & B Cylinder Head Flatness Requirements by Larry Brumfield
- Model A & B Cylinder Head Gasket Installation Instructions by Larry Brumfield
- Model A & B Cylinder Head Nut Tightening Sequence
- Model A & B Snap-on Cylinder Head Nut Wrench proper torque application tool
- Model A & B Cylinder Head and Distributor Pullers by Ron Cloat
- Model A & B Cylinder Head Stud Removal Tools
- Model A & B Broken Cylinder Head Stud and Bolt Removal
- Model A & B Cast Iron Cylinder Head Variations and Compression Ratios
- Model A & B Cylinder Head Comparison
July 2006