Crossflow intake manifold gasket

[cobra8214]

I've got my 1600 crossflow opened up right now to replace the piston rings, and now that I'm getting ready to put it all back together I've realized I have a potential problem - my intake manifold gasket has the water passage blocked off like this, whereas the gasket that was on there had holes for it like this. Neither Pegasus nor Dave Bean carry an intake manifold gasket with a cut out for the water passage.

I'm thinking about getting rid of my heater (already have the blanking plate), and was wondering if this issue is even a concern if I get rid of the heater. I'm assuming the coolant flow is as follows:

1. Starts at the water pump
2. Flows into the heater
3. Flows out from the heater and back into the fitting on the intake manifold, and from there back into the engine

 

If that's the case, am I ok to use the gasket that I have, and just plug up the fittings on my intake manifold and water pump that routed coolant to/from the heater?

Or, do I need to connect the intake manifold and water pump fittings via a hose if I remove the heater? If that's the case I'm assuming I'd need to try to cut out a hole in the gasket to match the water passage, or to buy an intake manifold gasket that has the water passage cut out (are there any other US sources people recommend beyond Dave Bean and Pegasus?)?

 

Thanks in advance!

[7Westfield]

You have it backwards....flow is OUT to the heater from the intake manifold and back in at the pump fitting

Using the gasket with no hole will be fine for no heater

Just put a plug in the manifold, and another in the pump 

 

If you ever want to put the heater back, you'll just need a new gasket. Gaskets are still out there with holes, you can find the Fel-Pros online, and there are others

or just punch a hole

Formula Fords all seal that hole to keep the manifold cooler, we used to cut a piece of pop can and glue it in there to cover it before the newer gaskets came

[IamScotticus]

Deleting the heater and plugging the port is a common practice.  Routing to the wp is not necessary, but wouldn't hurt. Might be better for the head.  I would cut a small hole in the new gasket for water passage and route to the wp.  This prevents you from having to plug the manifold.

 

The coolant flow direction is from the head to the pump.

Don't forget to test your thermostat and check your cap gaskets. Don't use it if they are hard or cracked.

This is a good time to pull studs, chase threads, clean them up and use anti-seize.( not on the head bolts)

 

 

Edited March 20 by IamScotticus