Topic: 289 2V Water Pump Gasket to Block

[Building 3]

I just bought a water pump gasket for a 289 2V built in December 1965.  The gasket covers all of the proper sealing surfaces.  However, it is larger than the pump and the mating surface of the engine block so that it sticks up above both.  Should this excess gasket material be trimmed so that the gasket conforms to the surface of the mated parts? That is my feeling since this may be a "universal" type gasket that could be used for a variety of engines.  Has anyone run across this before and what is the proper thing to do--leave as is, or trim the gasket? Thank you.

[CharlesTurner]

The originals were a reasonably tight fit.  I would trim it down.

[Building 3]

Charles, Thank you.  That makes the most sense.

[ajd350]

The reason that those gaskets were widened was to make them less likely to crack and walk out of position. Trimming them to follow the edge shouldn't cause a problem the way we use our cars. I trim mine down on the vintage Mustangs.