Tracking down the right head gasket set for a 4.3 Vortec

[Stamey]

I have a 1996 Merc 4.3, Engine SN: 0F821477. I believe I have a balance shaft, according to the Mercruiser parts web site.
http://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show...37&bnbr=160&bdesc=CYLINDER+BLOCK+AND+CAMSHAFT

I am trying to find the correct part number for a Fel Pro Marine Head gasket set. All I have found so far is 17211 (w/balance shaft), but it seems that the intake gaskets are 12 bolt, not 8 bolt like my Vortec heads require. Looking on the Felpro web site e-catalog has given me the PN above, but I can't seem to find a PN for a set with the 8-bolt intake gaskets. (I won't know if I have the balance shaft until tomorrow, when I pop the heads off)

I'm sure someone else has been through this, and hopefully can tell me what to get. As you can see, I prefer Felpro, but if they don't offer it, I'm agreeable to another brand of high quality gaskets.

Thanks,
Chris

 

[cr2k]

Re: Tracking down the right head gasket set for a 4.3 Vortec

My book (NAPA MARINE) shows only one head gasket for the GM 262 CID - 4.3L V-6. 18-3879 Napa/Sierra Supply number. Replaces 27-11986 and 27-816460.

Same number 18-3879 shows up under OMC also. Replacing 3854299, 912227 and 914930.

Me is guessing there is one gasket out there for both 8 and 12 bolts applications.

 

[Stamey]

Re: Tracking down the right head gasket set for a 4.3 Vortec

Yes, the head gasket is the same. The intake gaskets are different, and the head gasket sets (all the gaskets needed for doing a head rebuild) I have found are for the intakes with 12 bolts (non-Vortec). I have a Vortec engine which has 8 bolts in the intake. I am trying to find the head gasket set with the correct intake gaskets in it.

Thanks,
Chris

 

[Moose truck]

Re: Tracking down the right head gasket set for a 4.3 Vortec

It may be faster to order the 18-3879 it and the gasket set for your 8-bolt intake manifold if you need to "Git-R-Done". Regards, Moose

 

[Bondo]

Re: Tracking down the right head gasket set for a 4.3 Vortec

Yes, the head gasket is the same. The intake gaskets are different, and the head gasket sets (all the gaskets needed for doing a head rebuild) I have found are for the intakes with 12 bolts (non-Vortec). I have a Vortec engine which has 8 bolts in the intake. I am trying to find the head gasket set with the correct intake gaskets in it.

Thanks,
Chris

Ayuh,... I spent abit of time lookin' this mornin',...

I didn't find 'em in a "Set" either, but available enough, by themselves....

Might wanta go with Moose Truck's idea...

 

[Don S]

Re: Tracking down the right head gasket set for a 4.3 Vortec

And along with the above head gasket, get the 18-0487 intake set. Intake Manifold Gasket for Mercruiser 27-8243261 - Sierra 18-0487 - iboats

 

[Stamey]

Re: Tracking down the right head gasket set for a 4.3 Vortec

Pulled the heads, I do have a balance shaft. No obvious reason for number 4 intake valve to be leaking, but it does leak. May see if I can pop the keepers off today and see what's under that valve.
Still no luck hunting down Felpro gasket set. May have to get Felpro car set and the marine head gaskets separately.

Thanks,
Chris

 

[Pete104]

Re: Tracking down the right head gasket set for a 4.3 Vortec

Alrighty, then!

 

[Stamey]

Re: Tracking down the right head gasket set for a 4.3 Vortec

Sorry, didn't see the other replies before I added mine. Still had the web page up and just added another reply.
That's what I may end up needing to do, go with separate gaskets. The machine shop will probably supply the valve seals, so I just have to source head, intake, rocker cover, and exhaust manifold gaskets.
Thanks for the numbers for the head and intake gaskets.

Chris

 

[Volphin]

Re: Tracking down the right head gasket set for a 4.3 Vortec

Sorry, didn't see the other replies before I added mine. Still had the web page up and just added another reply.
That's what I may end up needing to do, go with separate gaskets. The machine shop will probably supply the valve seals, so I just have to source head, intake, rocker cover, and exhaust manifold gaskets.
Thanks for the numbers for the head and intake gaskets.

Chris

Try Amazon. I always get good pricing there for Felpro gaskets, and they oftentimes ship for free.

V