New head gasket weeping (Grandpa's Cub)

[coralhead]

A few days ago I installed the head on grandpas tractor with new head gasket, torqued down working from the center towards the ends (45-50lbs). I had re-ringed the pistons and put the engine back together to the point of being able to start it. Today I filled with coolant and noticed a bit of weeping of coolant on the intake side. I wiped up and retorqued the bolts and started the tractor. On the distributor side of the heads i noticed some air bubbles next to the piston that was firing. I shut it off and drained the coolanat out so as not to have coolant leak onto the pistons. My question is is that can I use a sealer on the head gasket being that I installed it dry? There was writing on the gasket that said "this side out" which I put facing up. Any advice on this will be greatly apprieciated.

Thanks, John

[coralhead]

Should I have used a "copper coat" sealer? Duh

[tst]

Yes, you need to coat the head gasket with the copper spray and seal the threads on the head bolts also, I do not have the manual in front of me but I believe you are over tighting the head bolts, check the on line manual for specs
Tim

[Scrivet]

I use the copper coat spray in a can on both sides of the gasket and PTFE (or something like that) thread sealant paste on the bolts. Also, when you torque the bolts did you do it in steps? Follow the pattern and torque to 15-20 lbs, then start over and do 30-35, then do again to final.

For the price of a head gasket I would most likely start again with a new one, copper coat it, and torque in steps.

[Scrivet]

From Rudi's Manual Server Blue Ribbon Service Manual GSS-1007 Engine
Torque and pattern in lower right corner.
http://www.cleancomputes.com/Cub/Blue%20Ribbon%20Service%20Manuals/GSS-1007%20Engine/Page%2031.jpg

[tnestell]

I had that problem once. The Harbor Freight torque wrench was bad. Ted

[coralhead]

I went to the local AutoZone and purchased some spray copper coat. After cleaning the head gasket, block and head I applied a few coats of copper to the block, head and head gasket. Waited a few minutes and assembled along with step torqueing the bols with IndianHead sealant. for the torqueing sequence. I let this sit as is all afternoon while I was putting new wheel hubs on my newly aquired '03 Yukon XL. I started up the cub later and no leaks to be seen. No smoke and the oil pressure gage is pushing on the high side. The wife is happy and that's all that matters. She wants it to start easily. May have to do a few carb adjustments as well as governor adjustments. Just glad it is running again and not leaking.

[John *.?-!.* cub owner]

Coralhead, hopefully you did not get the Copper Coat in the valve seats. I just spray both sides of the gasket.

[coralhead]

Coralhead, hopefully you did not get the Copper Coat in the valve seats. I just spray both sides of the gasket.

I was carefull not to get anything on the seats.

John