Head gasket

[AAm]

Got the head ready to go on. Do I use any gasket sealer? Seems I read or heard somewhere to use some of the copper gasket sealer.
Also what kind, if any, thread sealer on the head bolts?

Thanks
Avery

[Boss Hog]

Copper Kote or plain ole Aluminum paint will work in a pinch, let it get tacky then install

[ntrenn]

Ok...so I put mine on dry....we'll see how long it lasts. I'm a firm believer in nothing on head gaskets and only have had one do-over because I cheaped out and didn't grind the head (aluminum head on a Chevy 2.2)

[dgrapes59]

Got the head ready to go on. Do I use any gasket sealer? Seems I read or heard somewhere to use some of the copper gasket sealer.
Also what kind, if any, thread sealer on the head bolts?

Thanks
Avery

Avery,

You will need a sealer on the head bolts, lots of suggestions and opinions on what to use, do a quick search and you will find many suggestions to choose from.
Several mentioned here:
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=67996&p=552321&hilit=seal+head+bolts#p552321

Good luck,

[cubguy47]

Ok...so I put mine on dry....we'll see how long it lasts. I'm a firm believer in nothing on head gaskets and only have had one do-over because I cheaped out and didn't grind the head (aluminum head on a Chevy 2.2)

I've never used a sealant either on past rebuilds and never had any problems. The mating surfaces have to be true and flat and be sure to have any pitting machined off.

It's just personal preference of folks on whether or not to use sealant on the gasket or bolts.

[Boss Hog]

I did not read the whole post, use Indian Head Gasket Shellac on the bolts.
Boss

[Boss Hog]

I use both as I dont like do overs

[Rudi]

Avery:

I have used C5A, aircraft quality Kopper-Koat on the head bolts and Hi-Tack on the head gasket. Different products but same job gets done. I guess it depends on what you started with.

[Gary Dotson]

My preference is spray Permatex Copper Hi-Tack on both sides of the gasket and Teflon pipe sealant paste on the bolt threads. While I agree that installing the gasket clean & dry should work fine, I've had a couple cases where the gasket would weep a little coolant. I just like to avoid that issue.

I just remembered, if you use a Fel Pro gasket, only coat the metal side.

[bob in CT]

My preference is spray Permatex Copper Hi-Tack on both sides of the gasket and Teflon pipe sealant paste on the bolt threads. While I agree that installing the gasket clean & dry should work fine, I've had a couple cases where the gasket would weep a little coolant. I just like to avoid that issue.

I just remembered, if you use a Fel Pro gasket, only coat the metal side.

That is exactly what I do. I use Rectorseal #5 for paste. The paste on the bolts should not be a matter of preference. I bought a tractor that had a professionally rebuilt engine and coolant was weeping up the bolts. It also had wee bit of coolant on the small lip at the top of the block so I took the entire engine apart, re-sealed it and put in the correct pop-up pistons (ouch on that).

[Boss Hog]

I think Copper Hi-Tack and Copper Kote is the same animal

[Stanton]

This is what I use...


(Sometimes a visual is good. You'll know what to keep your eyes out for at the auto parts store. )

[twotone]

I even use copper spray-a-gasket on both sides of fel-pro gaskets. No leaks, no issues.


Tom Freeman

[Rudi]

Here are the pics of the products that I use. Based on recommendations from some of the guru's here and my buddy Dana who has been rebuilding vintage Harley's for about 35 years (he also own's a jobbers supply house).

-

I think David is right, same animal different packaging.

[AAm]

Thanks for all the sugestions. I'm off to auto suply to see what I can find
.
one more question, What oil do I use in the touch control unit?

Thanks Avery