RE: [Chrysler300] Heads are Off the C!!!

Hi Gary,

Did your new engine have shim (thin metal) head gaskets? The 1957 300C’s came with them. In June 1959, I replaced an out of round piston in our 300C and bought shim head gaskets from Chrysler. Shortly after this I started losing water from the radiator over flow when the thermostat opened. I pulled the spark plugs and connected an air hose and installed a gauge where the radiator cap is. To my surprise, four cylinders were leaking into the water jacket.

When I when to purchase new head gaskets at the Mopar Wholesaler. I told him about the leaking head gaskets. He said I should be using a regular thick head gasket. I have not had any problems since then with head gaskets and have completely rebuilt the engine twice since then. Last time we balanced the engine which made a lot smoother engine with 10 ½ pistons.

Note, when the 300C was new, It was driven to Salt Lake City where a McCulloch Super Charger was installed. When I purchase the 300C the Super Charger was no longer on the car because the bearings failed twice and was rebuilt at the factory. When I bought the 300C in July 1958 it had a slight knock in the engine, that’s why I replace a piston after checking the rod bearings. The 300C was timed at 131 MPH at the Belgrade, Montana Drag Strip in the Spring of 1958.

John in Portland, OR - 300C #1325

From: Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx <Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> On Behalf Of Gary Gettleman gary.gettleman@xxxxxxxxx [Chrysler300]
Sent: Friday, October 16, 2020 11:23 AM
To: chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [Chrysler300] Heads are Off the C!!!

The 3rd time was the charm!

Now just need to figure out if problem is head gaskets, cracked heads or cracked block (ouch).

Heads are being magnafluced and vacuum tested.

Big thanks to Larry Jett and Bob Merritt for letting me post on the clubs site.

Be Well and Be Positive as this will pass.

gary gettleman/Swiss C Rag Top.

Santa Cruz, Ca