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-   -   Copper head gasket or best Kevlar? (https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=253856)

37 Coupe 10-28-2018 09:29 AM

Copper head gasket or best Kevlar?
 

Am I correct in thinking that the Model A engine was built using copper head gaskets? I never had much luck with copper on a couple V8 Ford engines so I thought I would go with the Best gasket that Brattons sells,Kevlar and graphite. Anyone successfully use this gasket? I am having second thoughts because of a post from an experienced engine rebuilder who uses only copper.Brattons sells a Felpro copper gasket but only says it has a gray material in the middle not what kind.A better copper gasket available preferably USA?

katy 10-28-2018 09:49 AM

Re: Copper head gasket or best Kevlar?
 

Back in the '50s I did a LOT of work on flathead V8s, the available head gaskets were either copper clad or steel clad. We always used the copper clad ones with no sealer and never had a problem. You have to be sure that both the head and the block are perfectly clean and that the gasket is installed w/the proper side up.

30 Closed Cab PU 10-28-2018 11:21 AM

Re: Copper head gasket or best Kevlar?
 

More info on the Ford Garage.
Home page http://www.fordgarage.com/


Head Gasket info http://www.fordgarage.com/pages/ABcy...asketguide.htm
Do not see info on a solid copper gasket. Has info on what was originally used.

Jim Brierley 10-28-2018 11:45 AM

Re: Copper head gasket or best Kevlar?
 

I prefer copper as they are easier to remove and can often be re-used. I've never had a problem with them sealing. Best makes their #509 in copper or some kind of material that works well but is a pain to scrape off when changing heads.

Y-Blockhead 10-28-2018 12:03 PM

Re: Copper head gasket or best Kevlar?
 

The Secrets of Speed Society recommends the Best Graphtite gaskets with no sealant. I have never had a problem with these gaskets either with Y-Blocks or Model As. They recommend 55 ft lbs max.


http://www.secretsofspeed.com/gaskets.htm

john in illinois 10-28-2018 02:43 PM

Re: Copper head gasket or best Kevlar?
 

Whichever Best gasket you use,they reccomend copper coat spray. I use the grapftite on my A and Flathead.

John

MAG 10-28-2018 05:44 PM

Re: Copper head gasket or best Kevlar?
 

Back when Brumfield was making heads he would not honor warranty if any head gasket was used other than the Copper FelPro 7013.

Tom Wesenberg 10-28-2018 11:51 PM

Re: Copper head gasket or best Kevlar?
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by MAG (Post 1690369)
Back when Brumfield was making heads he would not honor warranty if any head gasket was used other than the Copper FelPro 7013.

And I agree with Larry.

katy 10-29-2018 08:48 AM

Re: Copper head gasket or best Kevlar?
 

Quote:

Do not see info on a solid copper gasket
Don't think that I've ever heard of a solid copper head gasket. If there was one it would have to be pretty soft copper.

30 Closed Cab PU 10-29-2018 09:06 AM

Re: Copper head gasket or best Kevlar?
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by katy (Post 1690564)
Don't think that I've ever heard of a solid copper head gasket. If there was one it would have to be pretty soft copper.

Thanks for correcting me, was a misunderstanding on my part from a long ago previous post.

P.S. 10-29-2018 10:54 AM

Re: Copper head gasket or best Kevlar?
 

I recently installed a Best brand kevlar (they call it graphite) head gasket on a Model A. I followed all directions exactly. No water seepage, however when pulling a hill in 3rd gear at 45 MPH or so, the combustion gasses are getting into coolant and blowing the water out the radiator overflow.

Yes, I have re-torqued it (read above where I followed ALL directions). The block/head are flat.

Going back to copper gaskets. No problem with those.

37 Coupe 10-29-2018 04:31 PM

Re: Copper head gasket or best Kevlar?
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by P.S. (Post 1690603)
I recently installed a Best brand kevlar (they call it graphite) head gasket on a Model A. I followed all directions exactly. No water seepage, however when pulling a hill in 3rd gear at 45 MPH or so, the combustion gasses are getting into coolant and blowing the water out the radiator overflow.

Yes, I have re-torqued it (read above where I followed ALL directions). The block/head are flat.

Going back to copper gaskets. No problem with those.

Kinda what I wanted to hear or didn't want to hear. Copper sprayed with Ultra Copper? I only want to do this once.

Dick Steinkamp 10-29-2018 04:51 PM

Re: Copper head gasket or best Kevlar?
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by P.S. (Post 1690603)
I recently installed a Best brand kevlar (they call it graphite) head gasket on a Model A. I followed all directions exactly. No water seepage, however when pulling a hill in 3rd gear at 45 MPH or so, the combustion gasses are getting into coolant and blowing the water out the radiator overflow.

Yes, I have re-torqued it (read above where I followed ALL directions). The block/head are flat.

Going back to copper gaskets. No problem with those.

Are you sure that is what is happening? Have you had the coolant checked by a radiator shop for combustion gasses? Could it be the motor is getting a little hotter pulling the hill, the water warms up a little more and expands a little more and comes out the overflow?

30 Closed Cab PU 10-29-2018 05:14 PM

Re: Copper head gasket or best Kevlar?
 

Could also do radiator exhaust test yourself. $45 dollar Napa Block test kit.


Radiator issue? -How old is it?
- Has it been flushed and back flushed recently?
- Empty it, block the upper and lower openings, should hold 1 1/2 gallons.
- Could be partially plugged or if old fins not making good contact with tubes.
- How old is the radiator, fins/inch, rows ?.
- When run and and stop/turn off, does it burp coolant? (running hot?)

1crosscut 10-29-2018 09:22 PM

Re: Copper head gasket or best Kevlar?
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by 37 Coupe (Post 1690728)
Kinda what I wanted to hear or didn't want to hear. Copper sprayed with Ultra Copper? I only want to do this once.

When using the spray type copper products on head gaskets I do three light coats and allow plenty of time between coats to let the solvents flash off making it very tacky.

P.S. 10-29-2018 09:47 PM

Re: Copper head gasket or best Kevlar?
 

I know you guys are just trying to be helpful, and I thank you.

However, I am most positive that it is combistion gases blowing into the coolant. No question. That is fact. Otherwise, I wouldn't have said it.

Fordbarn forum can be a blessing and a curse at the same time. Someone comes on here and says their steering is loose and there is always someone quick to tell them their timing is off.

quickchange 10-29-2018 10:21 PM

Re: Copper head gasket or best Kevlar?
 

We produce a copper one that is sealed around outside edge so no weeping down the block , can also be used on B engines too . Wet & cold in NZ plus 6.7 earth quake few mins ago.

Gary WA 10-29-2018 10:48 PM

Re: Copper head gasket or best Kevlar?
 

Copper!!!! Larry Brumfield knows!!!

Bruce of MN 10-30-2018 04:25 AM

Re: Copper head gasket or best Kevlar?
 

I sure wish there was a firm consensus!

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=251825

katy 10-30-2018 08:22 AM

Re: Copper head gasket or best Kevlar?
 

To each their own.


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