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Old 08-22-2019, 09:40 AM   #1
Robert/Texas
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Default Head Gasket Installation – 1937 Ford V85

I just got my cast iron heads back from the machine shop where they were resurfaced and I’m expecting to receive a pair of BEST brand gaskets today. My question is whether to use any copper or other gasket sealer product?

Thanks in advance for your help/suggestions.

Robert

Last edited by Robert/Texas; 08-22-2019 at 12:58 PM. Reason: spelling
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Old 08-22-2019, 09:45 AM   #2
tubman
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Default Re: Head Gasket Installation – 1937 Ford V85

I would not, especially since the herds have been resurfaced. It shouldn't be necessary, and if you do use it, it will make the next head or gasket change miserable, especially since you have an early engine with studs. Just make sure everything is squeaky clean, and follow the proper torque procedures. Torque them in at least three steps, working up to the recommended torque. there may be some leakage around the studs, but it usually stops by itself. In some cases, you may have to add a sealer to the coolant.
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Old 08-22-2019, 09:46 AM   #3
flatjack9
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Default Re: Head Gasket Installation – 1937 Ford V85

I agree with Tubman
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Old 08-22-2019, 09:59 AM   #4
AlexLohmann1
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Default Re: Head Gasket Installation – 1937 Ford V85

We use permatex copper gasket spray on gaskets even if newly surfaced.

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Old 08-22-2019, 11:35 AM   #5
Jack E/NJ
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Default Re: Head Gasket Installation – 1937 Ford V85

Grease. Jack E/NJ
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Old 08-22-2019, 08:37 PM   #6
tubman
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Default Re: Head Gasket Installation – 1937 Ford V85

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If you are going to use anything, I agree with Jack; grease.
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Old 08-24-2019, 09:37 AM   #7
Robert/Texas
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Default Re: Head Gasket Installation – 1937 Ford V85

Thanks to all.
I decided to take tubman’s advice which turned out to be the same as my machinist. He has decades of experience and suggested that I clean the block and head surfaces with Brake-Kleen as that is what he does. It’s going to take me some time to finish this due to my age and the extreme Texas heat. It’s gone to 100+ for the last month or so.
Thanks again.
Robert
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Old 08-24-2019, 03:34 PM   #8
jimTN
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Default Re: Head Gasket Installation – 1937 Ford V85

I use copper coat on both sides of the gasket on all of my engines and never have had a leak. Just finished a 500 mile run with my 27 T that has a HC head and copper coat on the gasket with not problems.
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Old 08-25-2019, 05:04 PM   #9
Robert/Texas
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Default Re: Head Gasket Installation – 1937 Ford V85

Thanks Jim.

I have owned my two T’s and two A’s since the 1980’s and have always used copper spray when replacing the head gaskets. The T heads are easier to get off as they are mounted with bolts instead of nuts and studs. I have always cranked the engines after loosening the bolts or nuts and they always popped loose.

When I tried to do the same thing with the V8, the passenger side head popped loose, but the driver side did not as I believe it had lost its compression. What a job it was to get this head off. My 60-year-old son-in-law did most of the work and it took us about 3 hours. The old gaskets appeared to be thin asbestos, clad with steel on both sides which showed some light remnants of copper on their surfaces.

I don’t want to deal with this again nor do I want to wish it on anyone else. I have cleaned all surfaces thoroughly as recommended.

Robert
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Old 08-25-2019, 07:10 PM   #10
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Default Re: Head Gasket Installation – 1937 Ford V85

If someone decides to use spray. Copper spray for copper gaskets. Perm' spray for composite.

I've used Perm' spray on composite gaskets and had no issue removing them after a couple years with aluminum heads (just lightly spray them).

If you cycle torques a few times it should be fine dry.




.

Last edited by Tinker; 08-25-2019 at 07:19 PM.
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Old 08-26-2019, 11:31 PM   #11
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Default Re: Head Gasket Installation – 1937 Ford V85

Yep, grease
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