Headgasket sealant??

[ChrisCairns]

I'm about to put my O ringed M & A head back on using the 1007 gasket. I and another board member talked about whether we should use a thin layer of the GE 1200 sealant. I think he's decided to go ahead and try it anyway....I thought I'd see if anyone has tried this....or has any thoughts on using a sealant with a non-metal gasket.

Thanks.

 

[HouseofSpeed]

I have always disagreed with the concept of using an RTV style sealer on any head gasket...whether composite or steel shim.

If you must, use a spray on gasket sealer....CopperCoat or the like.

I know that this flies in the face of Buick lore....but I have never used a sealer, and have experienced zero gasket failure in all of the TR work that I have done.

My TTA runs shims and no issues as does my GN.

 

[Intercooler]

Anyone ever use "The Right Stuff" on gaskets? That **** holds like no other. I used it on my girdle and you would need to practically cut it to get the pieces apart.

 

[Scott Atk]

It would be difficult to use the "RIGHT STUFF" on headgaskets because it cures so rapidly. You would really have to move fast.

 

[JeffG]

My motor has FlePro wirelocs (o-ringed head) and will weep oil and water if there is no sealant used around the water and oil return passages. Actually, the latest rebuild (started this past weekend) weeps a little fliud and sealant was used. Maybe the grooves weren't cut deep enough......who know?

 

[JeffG]

That's "FelPro" and "who knows". Need to slow down and read what I write.

 

[ChrisCairns]

Kyle....I once tried Copper Coat on a composite stock gasket. It didn't take long to blow that one. I attributed it to the copper coat stuff being absorbed by the gasket and weakening it. That's my concern with the GE 1200.

Jesse.... I wouldn't mind trying the "Right Stuff" as I agree with you....that stuff can stick water to oil. But how would you spead it in a thin coat onto the gasket??

Scott....I'm fast. (Ask my wife).

Jeff...I think you're onto something. When I took off my downpipe and looked at the turbine wheel it was all rusty. This was only after a little running at home and 8 passes in Vegas on a new turbo. Plus I found a little moisture on the underside of the headgasket when I removed it. And I had emptied the block of water via the block drains on the side of the block before I removed the intake and heads.

The gasket itself has that blue sealant around each water hole (just like a Felpro intake gasket) but it had never adhered to the head and wasn't crushed. As if the head wasn't torqued enough but it was. The new Felpro head gaskets I got lately doesn't have that blue sealant crap so I am going to use some sealant. Just haven't made up my mind yet.

Thanks so far guys.

Anyone else ever used some kinda sealant on head gaskets??

 

[Race Jace]

really the only thing you are going to accomplish with using that silicon with those head gaskets is prevent water leaks, so ya, just put it around the water port passages areas. It will not hurt anything.

 

[turbotaone]

Hello Jason, I'm getting ready to install a set of your steel shim
gaskets that I got from you last week. Should I cover the complete gasket with the supplied sealer like the instructions say
or just put it around the water holes ?

Thanks
James

Sorry for jumping on your thread Chris.

 

[Race Jace]

It is totally different for the gaskets you are using. just follow the instructions.

 

[JeffG]

RTV around the water and oil returns "should" do it. A little along the lower edge with the gasket would hurt either.

 

[TurboTerry87gn]

I have a set of gn1 heads 14 bolt with the fel pro wire locks on a stock block. This is the method used . I have no leaks and no problems. The heads have been on for 2 race seasons, and about 10 k miles. I also use arp studs. i use super blue rtv sealant on the block mating surface and the head mating surface. You have to work quick and have every thing ready. A very thin layer of the blue on the block, then set the gaskets in place, wipe off the blue on the inside of the o-ring where it shows by the cylinder bores. apply a thin layer by finger to head , set head in place run nuts down just touching push the head up aginst the dowl pins and tighten bolts. It help to have a helper. Why use gasket sealer on the head gaskets, well becuse the ring is like the edge or a dime it holds the head up at the o-ring even when crushed. the ring is the cylinder seal and the rtv will not effect the seal, the sealant is just there to seal the water and oil passages. form 20lbs I move up in 10lb increments and and torque the longs to 85 and shorts to 75, this is with arp moly on nuts and both sides of washer. I use teflon past on the threads going into water jackets.