MTFCA Forum

I was just wondering what would be the best sealant for a copper clad head gasket. I would think putting it in dry would not be a good idea. Also I am installing a Z head so do not know if that makes any difference.

Thanks
Ron

Copper spray sealer, available in the gasket section of the auto parts store. It looks like a can of copper spray paint, and probably is.

I've had excellent results using KW Coppercoat gasket sealer on old style copper or steel-clad head gaskets. Apply according to directions.
With newer, teflon coated gaskets, or other "high tech" gasket products, follow the manufacturer's directions. I think Coppercoat is fine for aluminum heads, but I would follow the manufacturer's advice, if any is available, as to what type gasket and what sealer, if any, to use.
Some gaskets are not to be used with any type of sealer, and are not to be retorqued when used with iron heads. I doubt that the "no retorquing" directive applies when installing an aluminum head, but it would be advisable to seek advice from the manufacturer.

My sealer of choice is 3 coats of aluminum spray paint.
Not had any leak issues if the head & block are flat.
Gasket will remove without dynamite to be reusable if so desired.

Do NOT use silicon type sealers on head gaskets. I would not use the daub-on Permatex on head gaskets, unless I wanted to make sure no one could ever get the head off again. Silver or gold metallic spray paint will work on plain type gaskets, but I'd stick with Coppercoat, which is made for the purpose.

From the FORD T service bulletins; Was in the tractor section but applies to cars as well:

By “shellac”, I’m sure they are referring to any type of coating. FIFTEEN MILLION T’s were assembled with no coating on the head gasket…

Indian Head Gasket Shellac was widely used. Many old type gaskets came with a coating of shellac or some other semi-clear coating. Some people put grease on head gaskets. I don't think that was a good idea. Ford used "Graflox" steel composite gaskets in the 1940s and early 1950s with a light coating of what looked like black paint. The asbestos core material was impregnated with graphite.

It's possible that Fordson head gaskets were coated with some type of shellac at the factory.

My father always applied grease to headgaskets.

I believe it's for ease of removal and so you can re-use the gasket.

Use a sealant with the head gasket, have always used a sealant, most times a double spray of CopperCoat, let dry to slight tacky, then install the gasket. Lacking CopperCoat, use a high percentage metallic spray enamel like Aluminum spray.

The metallic paint sealant helps fill tiny voids in the block and head surfaces, assures best seal.

Of course, use the proper sequence in tightening the head bolts, start with the center row of bolts first, then work around in alternate pattern.

I have used grease a number of times even on un-surfaced heads/blocks without issues. My op is once the engine runs, it would burn the grease and form a carbon seal.

HYLOMAR has been my choice for years. Learned about it in the gas and oil production industry on big engines and it worked well.

Pay attention to the gasket ends so you don't install it backwards.

Did Ford use any kind of gasket sealer at the factory? If so what was it.

The only sealer I use is heat and gas resistant sealer. Just a dab on both sides around the steam vents at the front and back corners next to the manifold. The reason I put it there is because all the other holes are between bolts and will be held tight. The copper gasket can be sprayed by any light coat of paint and just laid in place. Those two holes are very close to the outside corners of the head and block and bolts on only one side of the hole. That is the most common place for a leak or corrosion of the metal.
Norm

Good stuff. Have used it for years. Spray both sides of gasket. Jim Patrick