Aluminum heads, gaskets and gasket sealer

[Seth Swoboda]

I am ready to re-install the aluminum heads on the 8ba. I am using Best Gasket Graph Tite gaskets. Should I spray the gasket with copper coat? Best Gasket says to on their web site but it did not specify for use with cast iron or aluminum heads.

Also, I had the heads surfaced slightly to clean up the old gasket residue so I have a nice surface for the gasket to grab.

Thanks.
PS, I used the search function here but did not come up with anything conclusive.

[Ralph Moore]

I used one of the gasket kits from Van Pelts,
No sealer on head gaskets, although I did use aviation grade permatex on the head bolts.
Especially for the center holes with the little Ford factory crack to the water passage.

[jhb]

I have a '40 v8 w/aluminum heads and just replaced a head gasket. I did use copper coat on the gasket and aviation permatex on the bolts. The instructions from Mac Van Pelt said to check the torque for three heat cycles. It took about 6 heat cycles before the bolts wouldn't move anymore. No problems since. Good luck.

[Seth Swoboda]

What torque are you using? 50lbs or the 65-70lbs that ford recommended?

[19Fordy]

Originally Posted by Seth Swoboda

What torque are you using? 50lbs or the 65-70lbs that ford recommended?

Seth, Here's your head torquing answer.
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showth...m+heads+torque

[jhb]

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I did 20-40-55 lbs sequences in the proper torque order as shown on the sheet.

[Ol' Ron]

I use 45 ft/lbs on all heads, for at least 4 heat cycles.

[Lawrie]

If you look on the best gaskets web site they say to spray both sides with copper coat.
Lawrie

[BrianCT]

I used aluminum spray paint. I don't like the idea of copper in contact with an aluminum head.

[Ol' Ron]

Where do you get aluminum spray. I've looked at some products, but they have very little alum in them. What brand do you use??