So I'm right in the middle of my 6 bolt rebuild, and everything is going fairly smooth. But I've ran into a snag I need a few opinions on. So when I was installing the front case, I was looking over the gasket. I realized the front oil galley channels on the gasket weren't cut completely on one side. It was cut a few inches, then a hole on the other side where it ends. The other channel was cut completely down the channel on the gasket. So anyway, I didn't like the way that looked, and decided to carefully cut the rest of the channel from the gasket. I should also state that this is a fel-pro gasket. Later on looked up a OEM gasket, and discovered there exactly the same.
So in my head, this would only improve the oiling, cutting that piece out. So am I good with what I did, or is it that way for a reason? Seems like that uncut piece would just impede the flow. Because both the block and front case are channeled. Any advice would be appreciated, thanks.

Can u take a picture?

Unfortunately I already bolted it together, and am trying to avoid pulling back off. But here's a pic of my block, before I installed the front case. And another pic of the gasket. You'll see what I'm talking about. The gasket doesn't come completely cut for the channel on the right. So I cut part of it out, then I used a very light coat of right stuff on the gasket. Sorry I didn't have a clear picture of the galleys.

ive never removed any gasket material on my engines. I dont recall there ever being an issue. Your referring to the center oil channels yes?

At least some of the original gaskets on these engines covered the channel. It's not going to hurt anything either way.

i just looked at a 6 bolt block, oil pump and gasket, the gasket i have looks like

dustyboner said:

i just looked at a 6 bolt block, oil pump and gasket, the gasket i have looks like

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Yes sir, exactly. So my OCD kicked in, and I decided I needed to carefully cut out the rest of the curved oil channel on the gasket. Then I started second guessing myself. But you guys think it's fine either way? I was very careful about not cut any of sealing surface, just what seemed to be unnecessary. Thanks for the quick response, I'm trying to keep my momentum on this build!


Sorry, I'm not sure why it posted my reply like that. But I'm pretty sure I'm OK. That's the exact fel-pro gasket I have, and the only thing I trimmed was the unnecessary pieces. On the dog legged oil channel/galley. My guess is the only reason they did it that way, was ease of manufacturing. So I'm sending it, I just over think things sometimes. Causes more grief than good, . Thanks for the quick response.

You will be fine. A manufacturer would never use a paper gasket as an oil flow control. So it's not like there is a restriction needed there. I would probably have done the same thing if I saw overhang into a galley or port. I'm the same way with my gaskets. Especially in intakes/exhausts. I hate any pieces that will interfere with flow, so I do carve them when necessary.