Topic: Replace Gaskets 289 C4 Automatic Transmission

[Ralf]

Hello,
Have to replace different gaskets.

- Transmission Oil Pan Gasket
- Valve Cover Gaskets
- Oil Pan Gasket

What would you recommend best?

- vendor
- quality
- material (cork, rubber - reinforced.....)

Many thanks.

Ralf

[ChrisV289]

If going concours, cork.  I got my valve cover ones from NPD.  The transmission for my C4 I got off ebay as there are different shapes but you want the perfect inner rectangle one

[J_Speegle]

Agree all three cork. You'll need to locate (haven't purchased some recently) to find valve cover gaskets with "ears" that match the up outs in your valve covers or remove them and glue them back in the correct location.

Felpro should be able to provide you with an oil pan and C4 pan gaskets in cork still

[Ralf]

Conclusion: Felpro cork for all above mentioned gaskets.

I have asked because there are really some alternative materials out there..... e.g. oilpan >> blue rubber reinforced- one piece (or even 3 piece). Have no idea about robustness, leaking, lasting.....

@Jeff, do you have a pic available "with ears"?

Thx to all for feedback.

Ralf

[RoyceP]

I recommend OEM Ford cork gaskets for all three. Easy to find on eBay or Amazon.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/4-NOS-Ford-C4-Transmission-Pan-Gaskets-Galaxie-LTD-Mercury-Cougar-C5AZ-7A191-B/293162338515?fits=Year%3A1966%7CModel%3AMustang&hash=item4441d648d3:g:k60AAOSwOdldN1fU

Hello,
Have to replace different gaskets.

- Transmission Oil Pan Gasket
- Valve Cover Gaskets
- Oil Pan Gasket

What would you recommend best?

- vendor
- quality
- material (cork, rubber - reinforced.....)

Many thanks.

Ralf

[Ralf]

I recommend OEM Ford cork gaskets for all three. Easy to find on eBay or Amazon.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/4-NOS-Ford-C4-Transmission-Pan-Gaskets-Galaxie-LTD-Mercury-Cougar-C5AZ-7A191-B/293162338515?fits=Year%3A1966%7CModel%3AMustang&hash=item4441d648d3:g:k60AAOSwOdldN1fU

Not sure about that "old" stuff can be used wo issues.

[RoyceP]

I just finished (February of this year) rebuilding the C6 in my car using NOS seals, gaskets etc. No issues. I also used NOS Autolite intake gaskets and valve cover gaskets in my 428CJ. Never heard of or experienced any issues with an old gasket so long as it has been stored properly. The stuff doesn't go bad over time.

Not sure about that "old" stuff can be used wo issues.

[67gtasanjose]

I just finished (February of this year) rebuilding the C6 in my car using NOS seals, gaskets etc. No issues. I also used NOS Autolite intake gaskets and valve cover gaskets in my 428CJ. Never heard of or experienced any issues with an old gasket so long as it has been stored properly. The stuff doesn't go bad over time.

+1 except 289 engine (with a C4, though the C4 cork pan gasket is a part from the trans rebuild kit, not OE Ford).

[70cj428]

The stuff doesn't go bad over time.

Gaskets can shrink over time, haven't really ran into this with Mustangs, but I also play with ww2 Jeeps, and almost all NOS gaskets (both cork and paper) are so shrunk enough that they are unusable ...

[rrenz]

I've used the felpro cork without any issues.

[jwc66k]

Gaskets can shrink over time, haven't really ran into this with Mustangs, but I also play with ww2 Jeeps, and almost all NOS gaskets (both cork and paper) are so shrunk enough that they are unusable ...

Almost all materials used in WWII were "critical", were required "immediately", and had, by design of available materials, a "limited shelf life". While in the Navy in the 60's, we had a lot of WWII (and Korean War) surplus equipment installed on new ships with a lot of replacement parts from that era to support that equipment. Much of it was bad (read junk) and got tossed overboard (at night). Just confirming your findings, and our disposition.
Jim

[67gtasanjose]

Hello,
Have to replace different gaskets.

- Transmission Oil Pan Gasket
- Valve Cover Gaskets
- Oil Pan Gasket

What would you recommend best?

- vendor
- quality
- material (cork, rubber - reinforced.....)

Many thanks.

Ralf

Not sure about that "old" stuff can be used wo issues.

As others have indicated including myself, there are newer gaskets that mimicked the originals but none of them DUPLICATE original gaskets.

If you are concerned about function more than originality, then FelPro should help you just fine. The tabs on the valve cover gaskets would be noticeably different though.

[67gtasanjose]

Conclusion: Felpro cork for all above mentioned gaskets.

@Jeff, do you have a pic available "with ears"?

Ralf

"Ears" on the NOS gaskets I used. Others can confirm correctness as they wish. Obviously older gaskets can be drier than new ones. I run an 1/8" diameter, thin continuous bead of "The Right Stuff" brand RTV around the valve cover, circling the holes (AFTER finishing the continuous bead on the insides of the bolt holes). I DO NOT initially install the valve cover PERMANENTLY but I compress the RTV to flow out the RTV (using bolts to keep the holes of the gasket lined up) This can be done bolting the cover down to the head very lightly or by weight on the valve cover on a flat table or bench. The idea is to let the RTV cure completely 100% to seal the gasket to a less than perfect valve cover. You do not want to see any RTV  squeeze out so less is more or use a razor knife to trim off any visible RTV after it cures.
The picture I shared here was taken after I had done the process I just described. I used the "bolt it down lifhtly" method.

[Ralf]

So, finally all done.

Used Felpro, no Silicon @all.

@Richard
What is the name of the blue colour you have used?

Thx.

Ralf