Head gasket installation

[cederholm]

More questions from me. How are you guys installing “sealing” your head gaskets. I have new Feltpro with aluminum heads and a freshly machined block.

Thanks,
Carl


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[flatjack9]

I use no sealers on my gaskets. Just the studs or bolts.

[tubman]

I coat mine with regular grease.

[RalphM]

Didn’t use anything on the gaskets(composite) , but did put Aviation Permatex on the head bolt threads.

[cederholm]

Thank you guys!


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[Pete]

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Smokey discovered it, I do it. Aluminum paint.

[3738]

Grease

[Jack E/NJ]

Grease. Jack E/NJ

[oldford2]

x3
john

[tubman]

Of course, I was thinking of the gasket surfaces only; I also use "Permatex" thread sealer on my head bolts.

[Ronnieroadster]

Originally Posted by Pete

Smokey discovered it, I do it. Aluminum paint.

X2 especially if the are Copper head gaskets.

[tubman]

I would say that copper head gaskets are not a good choice for an engine with aluminum heads (electrolysis problems).

[Tinker]

Also, don't you want the small water hole to the front on both gaskets? Been a few yrs since I had to pull heads. But maybe I'm thinking Y-block head gaskets....

[Ronnieroadster]

Originally Posted by tubman

I would say that copper head gaskets are not a good choice for an engine with aluminum heads (electrolysis problems).

Really ?

[Pete]

Originally Posted by tubman

I would say that copper head gaskets are not a good choice for an engine with aluminum heads (electrolysis problems).

Surely, you jest.

[tubman]

No, I am not. Composite gaskets have worked fine for me over the years and I wouldn't use anything else.

Elementary high school chemistry : http://www.fenestration.net/pdf_docu...lar-Metals.pdf

[Pete]

Originally Posted by tubman

No, I am not. Composite gaskets have worked fine for me over the years and I wouldn't use anything else.

Elementary high school chemistry : http://www.fenestration.net/pdf_docu...lar-Metals.pdf

I understand your use of them in your stock engines.

Composite gaskets don't work in race engines with big bores even if they made them.

There are several anti corrosion products available for cooling systems that stop aluminum corrosion.

[tubman]

I see the problem here. Both you and "Ronnie Roadster" are serious racers. You exist in a whole different world than most of us on here. Look at it this way : The engines in top fuel dragsters are basically completely rebuilt between every round; does this mean that those of us with regular "street" engines should do the same? I think not.

Also, composite big bore gaskets are readily available. My latest build has a 3 5/16" bore and I had no problem finding gaskets. It also has a MAX-1, Edmunds heads and upgraded ignition and carburation systems. I don't consider it a stock engine.

I try to buy all of the reasonably priced flathead finned aluminum heads I can. I pass on the majority of heads I find because of excessive corrosion.

[chap52]

Originally Posted by tubman

I coat mine with regular grease.

X2... Easier to deal with the next time you have to open the engine up...Chap

[51 MERC-CT]

I owned (years ago) several early flatheads with factory equipped aluminum heads and composite gaskets.
About 60% of them corroded and leaked and had to be replaced (with used iron ones) from the junk yard.
Just wonder what caused the corrosion considering that they had composite gaskets.