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Old 09-22-2019, 10:41 AM   #1
cederholm
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Default Head gasket installation

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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Old 09-22-2019, 10:54 AM   #2
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Default Re: Head gasket installation

I use no sealers on my gaskets. Just the studs or bolts.
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Old 09-22-2019, 11:26 AM   #3
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Default Re: Head gasket installation

I coat mine with regular grease.
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Old 09-22-2019, 11:35 AM   #4
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Default Re: Head gasket installation

Didn’t use anything on the gaskets(composite) , but did put Aviation Permatex on the head bolt threads.
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Old 09-22-2019, 11:53 AM   #5
cederholm
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Default Re: Head gasket installation

Thank you guys!


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Old 09-22-2019, 01:56 PM   #6
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Smokey discovered it, I do it. Aluminum paint.
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Old 09-22-2019, 03:07 PM   #7
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Default Re: Head gasket installation

Grease
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Old 09-22-2019, 03:09 PM   #8
Jack E/NJ
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Grease. Jack E/NJ
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Old 09-22-2019, 04:59 PM   #9
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Default Re: Head gasket installation

x3
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Old 09-22-2019, 07:06 PM   #10
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Default Re: Head gasket installation

Of course, I was thinking of the gasket surfaces only; I also use "Permatex" thread sealer on my head bolts.
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Old 09-22-2019, 07:54 PM   #11
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Default Re: Head gasket installation

Quote:
Originally Posted by Pete View Post
Smokey discovered it, I do it. Aluminum paint.







X2 especially if the are Copper head gaskets.
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Old 09-22-2019, 08:05 PM   #12
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Default Re: Head gasket installation

I would say that copper head gaskets are not a good choice for an engine with aluminum heads (electrolysis problems).
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Old 09-22-2019, 08:17 PM   #13
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Default Re: Head gasket installation

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....
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Old 09-22-2019, 09:07 PM   #14
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Default Re: Head gasket installation

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



Really ?
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I use the F word a lot no not that word these words Flathead , Focus and Finish.
"Life Member of the Bonneville 200 MPH Club using a Ford Flathead block"
Owner , Builder, Driver of the First Ford Flathead bodied roadster to run 200 MPH Record July 13, 2018 LTA timing association 200.921 in one and a half miles burning gasoline.
First ever gas burning Ford flathead powered roadster to run 200 MPH at Bonneville Salt Flats setting the record August 7th 2021 at 205.744 MPH
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Old 09-22-2019, 09:26 PM   #15
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I would say that copper head gaskets are not a good choice for an engine with aluminum heads (electrolysis problems).
Surely, you jest.
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Old 09-22-2019, 10:12 PM   #16
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Default Re: Head gasket installation

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

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Old 09-22-2019, 10:47 PM   #17
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Default Re: Head gasket installation

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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.
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Old 09-22-2019, 11:00 PM   #18
tubman
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Default Re: Head gasket installation

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.

Last edited by tubman; 09-22-2019 at 11:18 PM.
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Old 09-23-2019, 06:57 AM   #19
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Default Re: Head gasket installation

Quote:
Originally Posted by tubman View Post
I coat mine with regular grease.
X2... Easier to deal with the next time you have to open the engine up...Chap
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Old 09-23-2019, 07:00 AM   #20
51 MERC-CT
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Default Re: Head gasket installation

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.
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