2009 at the Hammond Barn

[Phil Waterman]

Yup had the same problem on the `1953 216 engine that is in my C60L Pattern 12 and also had similar problem with both the 235 and the 261 on first assembly.

My problem I think came from assembling engines with gasket coated with silicon gasket cement. One case was not being quick enough get it assembled and bolted down and or old gasket cement. The other was not really having the cement and all the parts above 60 degrees. On the 261 when I pulled it apart you could see areas where the cement just had not bonded.

Fortunately in all three cases the problems showed up during the test stand running not after the engines were in the truck with the radiator in the way.

Now I clean the surfaces with a buffing pad on the air grinder (not sanding disk) degrease with brake cleaner coat the gaskets assemble tight evenly then leave alone for 24 - 48 hours. I've never had good luck using the silicone gasket stuff on something I have to run right away. For field repairs I use Peratex non-hardening.