MTFCA Forum

Is there a preferred material to use for the carburetor-to-manifold gasket? I have 1/16" gray gasket material.

Phil

I have used a variety of gasket materials there over the years and all have worked well.
Rich

You can sure try. If it is the material I am thinking of, may be a little too hard, but then again the originals were copper covered. Nothing to loose but a few minuets work. I have used cereal boxes to make them.

In a pinch, I have been known to use cardboard cut out of a cereal box.

I would use it - watch this video to see how to make it with a ball peen hammer - gently. No cutting needed https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Lsn6B6RsNQ

I’ve always wondered why these were used originally. FoMoCo was the pinnacle of K.I.S.S. There must have been a good reason back then, otherwise they would have punched out paper gaskets. I’ve given these out as gifts for years, but just enough for me remain here.

I also used the sandwiched copper gaskets only because I have a large stash ! Also have them for the water connections.

There is no pressure on that gasket, and if the surfaces of the manifold and carburetor are clean and straight, thick paper or other gasket material would work fine. Only thing to beware of in this location would be a vacuum leak.
Norm

Use the type of gasket Tim posted. They can be used over and over. I like the copper covered type.

I use the homemade thick paper ones over and over.

If you look close, the metal edge is rolled, to make a nice seal. Remember , gasoline constantly flows through this joint. Do you really think just any material( cardboard) is a good seal? IMHO real gasket material would be a fine substitute, but not just a piece of unknown cardboard.

Just a small point. I believe they are actually brass, which with ford is a cheaper material. I can measure the brass thickness if anyone actually cares. It’s very thin. The core is asbestos.

...real gasket material would be a fine substitute, but not just a piece of unknown cardboard.

That may be quite correct. My thick paper gaskets don't leak, but I haven't tried any non-gasket materials.

Should RTV be used with a paper gasket?

On the thick paper carb gasket I grease both sides so it doesn’t stick when carb needs to be removed and then reuse.

Me, reusing old gaskets. The paper gaskets are going to swell up anyway as soon as gas gets to them.

Don’t over think this. Even cardboard from a cereal box works fine as long as the manifold and carburetor mating surfaces are clean and flat.