Copper Head Gasket

[ChuckLebeda]

I am replacing a leaky head gasket with a copper gasket from Lang's.

Should I use any gasket type sealer on the head or just use the copper gasket without sealer??

Thanks,

Chuck

[speedytinc]

My method is 2 coats of silver spray paint on the gasket both sides.
The paint will soften when hot & fill minor voids but will come off in tact & be re-usable after a paint recoat.

[Humblej]

There is a copper headgasket spray from Permatex, I always use it.

[Tim Williams]

I agree with jeff. use the copper head gasket spray.

[Craig Leach]

Copper coat can glue down the head gasket & make getting the head off an issue the silver spray paint if dry will not. I use the cheapest silver I can find. Not the looks like chrome stuff
Craig.

[Norman Kling]

I agree with the spray. also be sure the surface of the block and head are flat and smooth. Notice especially the area between cylinders 1 and 2 and between 3 and 4. Be sure the bolts are short enough to go all the way down to the head without the gasket. That will make it sure to crush the gasket when you torque the bolts. If they are too long the torque wrench will be measuring the torque between the bolt and the block at the bottom of the threads instead of holding the head down. I also put just a dab of Permtex heat resistant sealer around the steam vent holes in the front and back the head and block right next to the manifold. Don't put it anywhere else. just enough to keep the gasket from leaking at those two corners because the holes are very close to the outside edge and no bolts in that area. For an aluminum head torque when cold. For a steel head torque before you start the engine and then torque again after it reaches operating temperature. After you drive short distances torque again. Do this until the torque remains after driving it.
Norm

[Adam]

Ford Service Bulletin:

[Jerry VanOoteghem]

I agree with jeff. use the copper head gasket spray.

Me too! I use 2 heavy coats and install the gasket while still tacky.

[SurfCityGene]

I use heavy coats of copper spray and haven't had any problems removing the head or any Leaks. I have a bunch of used gaskets still in usable shape. Alum spray is probably cheaper

[varmint]

I last used the copper spray, never tried anything else.

If you are asking that question then...Don't forget to chase all the threads. After I did so, I then ground off some of the tip of the tap and chased them again. Had bought a new tap for this purpose but cut the used tap instead.

[Craig Leach]

And Norm filled in all the blanks
Craig.

[babychadwick]

As for the "silver" spray try aluminum color paint. It typically is made with aluminum in it. The aluminum will work to seal better than just silver spray.