Engine Head Gasket Installation

[Charles Reese]

seems i recall a FB post some time back but can't find via 'search' (so maybe via a club magazine article)... re: placing sealer around the 'inside edges' of the head gasket holes (cylinder/water jacket/bolt) when replacing the head to minimize seepage of water via the asbestos-like material (actually my gasket is the original asbestos). if this is valid, would appreciate details (i.e. indian head, copper coat spray, etc) and opinions on this practice

[Charles Coe]

I've used the copper spray with good results.

[Tom Wesenberg]

The next copper head gasket I use I will try the Plasti Dip to coat the insides of the water holes. I've used blue RTV in the past with good results, but that wasn't on my car, so I didn't see the gasket months or years later.

[green30coupe]

Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg

The next copper head gasket I use I will try the Plasti Dip to coat the insides of the water holes. I've used blue RTV in the past with good results, but that wasn't on my car, so I didn't see the gasket months or years later.

Tom,
Are you sure you want to try that? That stuff sure sticks good (and permanent) to the handles on pliers, etc. It might make lifting the head even more difficult once its set up and heat-cured for some time. RTV is more flexible and less likely to be a problem during head removal.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

To me, it sounds about as effective as patchin' a garden hose with SCOTCH TAPE, or a BAND-AID and just more goop to go astray & plug up radiator tubes, but what do I know????????? Bill W.

[Tom Wesenberg]

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Originally Posted by BILL WILLIAMSON

To me, it sounds about as effective as patchin' a garden hose with SCOTCH TAPE, or a BAND-AID and just more goop to go astray & plug up radiator tubes, but what do I know????????? Bill W.

Bill, that's what the nylon drier sock is for. No more junk going to plug my radiator tubes.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Tom, is that some "special" sock? A friend used a piece of an old nylon, but I'm leery to try it. I'll just quickly backflush mine with air & water a few times as I get some miles on it & after that, I'll put in my thermostat & Prestone coolant. Bill W.

[wrndln]

I use Copper-Cote sealer on Felpro gaskets. I swab a little of it around the water jacket openings to seal them before installing the head. I haven't run the engine for very long, but so far no unsightly rust stains down the side of the engine.
Rusty Nelson

[brum1]

I used the modern gasket with silicone beads molded in place around all holes-great results

[Great Lakes Greg]

Like brum1, I used the new gasket with good results. I purchased mine from Brattons.