Re: 1989 Force 125hp Head gasket, which one is correct?
The gasket with the holes around the perimeter was the original type used on early Chrysler and West Bend engines using a water tube down the center of the head for cooling. These heads also had the perimeter relieved so water could flow through the gasket holes and cool.
Newer design Chrysler heads and Force heads are solid and have an external cover forming a full water jacket on the head. They do not need the perimeter holes. However, since the factory already had the gasket stamper, they continued to use the holes, rather than re-design the gasket maker.
In fact, using the solid gasket will result in the same cooling AND less corrosion from water trapped behind the gasket. While either gasket is acceptable for use on your engine, if I were buying a new one, I would prefer the solid gasket.
