Head gasket - use sealant ?
#1
Head gasket - use sealant ?
Hi Guys,
I have been advised by a "professional" to use sealant or even normal household paint to seal the new headgasket onto the block and head. The manual doesn't show anything other than to use the new gasket which is actually three layers (two carbon looking with a metal sheet in the middle) so i am not 100% convinced on his advice.
Has anyone replaced the head gasket with or without sealant ?, as always your wisdom is welcomed.
Thanks
I have been advised by a "professional" to use sealant or even normal household paint to seal the new headgasket onto the block and head. The manual doesn't show anything other than to use the new gasket which is actually three layers (two carbon looking with a metal sheet in the middle) so i am not 100% convinced on his advice.
Has anyone replaced the head gasket with or without sealant ?, as always your wisdom is welcomed.
Thanks
#2
I have never replaced the head gasket on a bike, but , being a mechanic by trade, I have replaced plenty on cars trucks, tractors and boats. That being said, I have NEVER used any sealant on a head gasket. They have all installed dry. That is what most are multi layer. To dealwith the different expansion rates of a block versus the head. If it your in doubt, default to the manual. But sealing a head gasket just sounds off to me. I've never done it and never will. Just my .02 cents
#3
I'm also a professional. Metal headgaskets can be put on dry provided both surfaces are resurfaced true. If one or both are being cleaned and reused there is a chance that fluids can leak by way of imperfections of the surface. I use copper coat spray on both surfaces and the gasket to help seal it and help hold it in place while putting the head on. Using tacky paint may do the same in a pinch, but seems kinda ghetto on such a crucial area.
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hmmm
Is there any negative to using copper sealant, in my untrained and idiot mind i thought anything between the two surfaces would have hindered a good seal. If it is only going to help my chances i am up for it though.
both surface have been cleaned and checked by an engineering shop so at least i should have a good starting point.
Is there any negative to using copper sealant, in my untrained and idiot mind i thought anything between the two surfaces would have hindered a good seal. If it is only going to help my chances i am up for it though.
both surface have been cleaned and checked by an engineering shop so at least i should have a good starting point.
#7
I'm also a professional. Metal headgaskets can be put on dry provided both surfaces are resurfaced true. If one or both are being cleaned and reused there is a chance that fluids can leak by way of imperfections of the surface. I use copper coat spray on both surfaces and the gasket to help seal it and help hold it in place while putting the head on. Using tacky paint may do the same in a pinch, but seems kinda ghetto on such a crucial area.
I have seen this used. My apologies to the op. When sealant was mentioned I automatically assumed rtv was the sealant. A Cooper coat spray would be rather thin and therefore only filling imperfections as 74 said. I have no experience with it as I have always replaced them dry and luckily never had an issue. Of course, when replacing head gaskets I usually have the heads sent of to be checked too. As far as what you use, if your not having the head and block checked, then it would seem the spray is cheap insurance against a slight leak.
Thank you 74 for the explanation and suggestion of a safe sealant. Learn something new everyday. And I'm never too smart to learn. Plus, you may have just saved me a major headache
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