MTFCA Forum

I was at an estate sale today that had quite a few Model T parts, including a 26 or 27 touring project. I picked up a bundled gasket set for a low price that included 4 unused head gaskets. The head gaskets look just like the copper sandwich head gasket that I've used before, but the thin face sheets are steel instead of copper.

I'm curious if anyone has any experience using steel sandwich head gaskets on their Model T's, and how they compare to the copper clad sandwich gaskets.

Thanks,

Neal

Head gaskets for most applications were almost universally copper clad asbestos until compression ratios raised significantly in the mid 1930s, at which point steel faced gaskets became necessary to avoid blowouts.

Specifically I have not personally used steel faced gaskets in a T, but I can see no reason why they wouldn't be entirely serviceable. Possibly they may require the head and block to be more perfectly true; copper would be a little more forgiving if surfaces are imperfect.

Steel headgaskets will eventually rust out if you run straight water in your cooling system. Might not be a problem for those running a high dose of soluble oil or antifreeze.

Dan McEachern wrote: ↑

Sat Apr 15, 2023 2:10 pm

Steel headgaskets will eventually rust out if you run straight water in your cooling system. Might not be a problem for those running a high dose of soluble oil or antifreeze.

The steel sheets on these gaskets are painted with a silver colored paint, so perhaps that would help prevent rust. I also run 50/50 anti-freeze mix.

The paint will not be a long term solution to the corrosion that will occur over time.

A large percentage (maybe half) of original gaskets I have found tearing down old engines were steel. They were probably replacement gaskets from way back when, but must have worked OK.. I would guess they would work fine. I would spray them with "copper coat" and torque as usual.

Possibly made during World War 2. they even stopped making copper pennies for one year because the copper was in short supply.
Norm

I have not had an issue with steel. As with copper, I paint with silver paint.
I agree water soluble oil or antifreeze over straight water should be used.
I have had several copper gaskets fail from the rear right steam hole out.
The copper seems to melt out a track. Never happened to me with steel.
I prefer copper for the extra perceived squeeze to seal better in case of a slight warp in the mating surfaces.
If I didnt have copper in stock I would use a steel gasket.