Chuck: Yes, I believe Ted has commented on that issue. Elsewhere, I read that the engine being out of time, can sometimes cause a backfire resulting in a fire. 


Paul

Oddly enough, I had the same problem with Best gaskets but on different sides.  The gaskets were the ones with the small hole for the exhaust crossover. Apparently the hole for front stud for the intake was placed wrong.  I had to fix the hole.  These were G heads.


54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

I’ll agree with Barry in that you need an intake set for a 1954 Ford 239 or 1954 Mercury 256.  The Fel Pro part number would be MS9243B.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

What  head casting numbers do you have? Looks like you need a set of gaskets for the early 239-256 inch heads. Here's some pics of different size
gaskets.

                            I am hoping someone could help me.
I've purchased two different gasket sets form two different suppliers - Advanced Auto Parts and again from LMC Truck parts; and, the fit is not perfect.
From the driver's perspective: the gasket for the right side fits perfect. However, the gasket for the left side does not. In the frontmost (rectangular opening) The rectangular holes are larger than they should be, thereby not forming a complete seal.  In the lower left-hand corner of the rectangular area in question, there is a tiny space (1mm x 3mm) that is not covered by the gasket.

Any suggestions on where to get the correct gasket set?
Your assistance in resolving this matter is greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Efrain
efrain.arroyave@gmail.com

Sal built both my carbs as a pair. I have all confidence that when the time comes they will performe very well. I will be consulting him when I'm ready. Rowen

Rowen
55CV
Woodland, Ca

I have a LOT of experience with these "Teapots", "Pressure Cooker", "Towering Inferno" carbs. MUCH more than I ever wanted.
When I arrived at the dyno facility with my engine, the first words from the owner/operator said, get the fire extinguisher.
I honestly believe that any fire that ensues is directly caused by the last guy that worked on them.
My first experience when firing the engine in the frame w/out the body resulted in a leak from both carbs coming from the screw
that is supposed to seal the area above the needle and seat. Fuel was everywhere. Fix: replace the crappy gasket with an O ring.
Had this occurred while just driving, I'm sure a very large and difficult to extinguish fire would have happened.
I run both my carbs direct, no progressive linkage. Once jetted and tuned correctly, they are very trouble free. I actually like them.
I had a great deal of assistance from Mike Suter and Sal. Great guys with a lot of knowledge, very willing to help a bonehead like me.
Jim

Wasn't there an article on here about over tightening the center bolt/stud and miss shaping the carb top? As I recall this was the real culprit for the leaks and eventual fires. Chuck

Y's guys rule!
Looking for McCullouch VS57 brackets and parts. Also looking for 28 Chrysler series 72 parts. And early Hemi parts.

MoonShadow, 292 w/McCulloch, 28 Chrysler Roadster, 354 Hemi)
Manchester, New Hampshire

I have been running the E setup since 1968. Always carry a fire extinguisher and have had to use it a few times. Also had to re paint the air cleaner several times. If everything is right there is no problem. A  backfire and any leak in the top of the carb and you have a fire. Jetting is critical. Every original E carb that I have has had the '56 Ford single carb jets. Way too rich. Proper jetting is critical.

Not knowing your intentions and how your going to run yor engine but I knew I was going to use mine progressive and use small base Carter WCFB's. I ran one on a stock manifold for quite a time on my stock manifold while preparing everything else. Before swapping manifolds I ran the second carb to set it right also. When I made the intake change everything was ready to go. Funny thing was the first carb went on as the lead and it ended up as the secondary because the engine ran better that way. I also needed to make different parts for the water system I never thought of plus the linkage. You can check mine out running on YouTube, Ford YBlock dual quads. I love mine and would not change it back. It takes a full throttle pump for cold start up to squirt the front intake ports but that it. When I'm out for the day I open up the front one a few times to make sure some fuel is used so the fuel bowls, needles and seats see some use...good luck

56 Vic, B'Ville 200 MPH Club Member, So Cal.