10 replies to this topic

[tom86uk]

hey..
planning on replacing my head gasket.
do i need to use gasket sealant as well as new gasket or would the gasket on its own be ok?
thanks

[glyn]

make sure both surfaces are super clean then just use the gasket no need for sealant

[tom86uk]

okie dokie thank you

[Cooperman]

If it's a black composite gasket, then no sealant of any kind should be used and the block & head faces must both be absolutely clean and grease free.
If you are fitting a copper-faced gasket, then a slight smear of light engine oil on each side of the gasket helps with gasket seating when the head nuts are torqued down.

[ado15]

If you are fitting a copper-faced gasket, then a slight smear of light engine oil on each side of the gasket helps with gasket seating when the head nuts are torqued down.

It's my understanding that many copper faced head gaskets have a 'varnish' on their surface which helps the sealing process. This is destroyed if you apply oil or grease.

[Cooperman]

If you are fitting a copper-faced gasket, then a slight smear of light engine oil on each side of the gasket helps with gasket seating when the head nuts are torqued down.

It's my understanding that many copper faced head gaskets have a 'varnish' on their surface which helps the sealing process. This is destroyed if you apply oil or grease.

I've never heard that and I always apply a thin smear of oil to the copper-faced ones. Have been doing so since about 1961 and never had a problem. It was something I was told by an old race mechanic from way back.
I'm not saying you are wrong, just that I never heard that.

[ado15]

If you are fitting a copper-faced gasket, then a slight smear of light engine oil on each side of the gasket helps with gasket seating when the head nuts are torqued down.

It's my understanding that many copper faced head gaskets have a 'varnish' on their surface which helps the sealing process. This is destroyed if you apply oil or grease.

I've never heard that and I always apply a thin smear of oil to the copper-faced ones. Have been doing so since about 1961 and never had a problem. It was something I was told by an old race mechanic from way back.
I'm not saying you are wrong, just that I never heard that.

Equally, I wouldn't say that they are all like it! It was actually a garage owner who used to do this 'years ago' who highlighted the problem with repeated quick gasket failures. He used to grease the faces. Once a new one was put on dry, it was fine.

[Cooperman]

If you are fitting a copper-faced gasket, then a slight smear of light engine oil on each side of the gasket helps with gasket seating when the head nuts are torqued down.

It's my understanding that many copper faced head gaskets have a 'varnish' on their surface which helps the sealing process. This is destroyed if you apply oil or grease.

I've never heard that and I always apply a thin smear of oil to the copper-faced ones. Have been doing so since about 1961 and never had a problem. It was something I was told by an old race mechanic from way back.
I'm not saying you are wrong, just that I never heard that.

Equally, I wouldn't say that they are all like it! It was actually a garage owner who used to do this 'years ago' who highlighted the problem with repeated quick gasket failures. He used to grease the faces. Once a new one was put on dry, it was fine.

To some this may seem like a trivial thread, but many do lightly oil the copper faced gaskets and if they are now lacquered and this nlacquer means light oil should not be used, then it's good to know. Maybe the manufacturing process changed a few years ago.
Does anyone have any more info on this as we all need to know whether to continue to lightly oil copper faced gaskets when fitting new?
I've also seen some people run a newly re-gasketed engine for around 30 seconds with no coolant in it to 'burn-in' the head gasket. It's not something I've ever done, but there are those who claim it leads to longer gasket life. Who knows? Maybe it does.

[Bungle]

you might want some sealer on the thermostat housing they normally need a bit to keep it water tight

[ado15]

I've just checked our gasket manufacturer and they say "it is permissible to apply a light coat of oil to the metallic surfaces of the head gasket"!! So now I'm really confused! I'm trying to find the source of the 'lacquer' story.... it was quite a few years ago, but if I find it, I'll post it.

[Cooperman]

I've just checked our gasket manufacturer and they say "it is permissible to apply a light coat of oil to the metallic surfaces of the head gasket"!! So now I'm really confused! I'm trying to find the source of the 'lacquer' story.... it was quite a few years ago, but if I find it, I'll post it.

The only thing we can say for sure is that with the 'black composite gaskets (BK450) it is 'strictly forbidden' to have any grease, oil, or anything else on the gasket, block face or head face.