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Head gaskets

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    Posted: Nov/14/2017 at 11:20am
Been a long time since I built a motor. We used to use copper coat or silver paint on the head gaskets. My new ones are felpro. Side that goes up is blue and looks like some sort of gasket material. Block side looks like metal. Does it go together as is or does it need a coating somewhere?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote kirkwood Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Nov/14/2017 at 11:31am
I spray copper on the metal side of the blue fel-pros. Not sure if you are 'supposed' to but I always do and haven't had any problems.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Red20 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Nov/14/2017 at 1:53pm
I hang them on a wire and spray Copper Coat on both sides, let it sit a bit then one more coat. Let it get tacky then install. Also never had an issue.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote THE MENACE Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Nov/14/2017 at 2:00pm
Felpro gaskets will be marked which side goes up if it makes a difference or matters. Felpro also says that you should "NOT" use any sealer or spray of any kind on their "Permatorque" head gaskets.

A couple of years ago I had a "Felpro Permatorque" head gaskets fail (for no apparent reason) on my 401 stroker in my AMX. It was installed correctly (dry as Felpro tells you to do) but failed in only a few months of the engine being built. Replaced the Felpro gaskets with Rol graphite coated head gaskets and have not had any problems since. BTW, the Rol head gaskets also install dry.   
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote Mopar_guy Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Nov/14/2017 at 7:27pm
I too have had Felpro head gaskets fail on 2 different applications. I haven't used them in a number of years now. Their quality is not what it use to be because I used them since the 70's without ever an issue. I've been using Cometics and couldn't be happier - plus they're made here in Ohio! Thumbs Up

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote DaemonForce Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Nov/14/2017 at 9:49pm
I used one of the FelPro 26211PT PermaTorque MLS dry fit gaskets on my L6. Dry wiped and ethered the head then the engine mating surface, screwed in alignment studs, inspected the gasket and dropped it into place then the head. Add head bolts, remove studs, torque down procedure for the win. I deviated a bit from the last part since I had doubts about the MLS gasket but it seemed to give it the best possible chance with steps of 20-40-60-80-100 then 110ft-lbs, leaving the front bolt at 100ft-lbs per spec.

I would probably do the exact same thing over if I were simply changing head gaskets but in the case of the V8, I've never encountered something so frustrating, embarassing and expensive in my entire life as that mess. The dry fit gaskets for these engines are JUNK! Avoid the Crown copies, FelPro and Cometic. I'm most likely going to use Edelbrock heads in my build so...Edelbrock gaskets. Anything else use the Victor Reinz gaskets or the SCE coppers if you can afford them. 9.3-11.6vol should work great. I would steer clear of any gaskets that compress any smaller than what I have on my L6, which is probably .041 if I remember right.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote THE MENACE Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Nov/15/2017 at 4:22pm
Originally posted by DaemonForce DaemonForce wrote:

I'm most likely going to use Edelbrock heads in my build so...Edelbrock gaskets.


Just so you know, Edelbrock head gaskets for the AMC V8 #7329 are Rol gaskets!
   
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote DaemonForce Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Nov/15/2017 at 6:07pm
Yeah yeah I know. Already planning to get back into a revolving door of pain. I'm getting too old for this dance but I also enjoy yelling at the vendor when their batch is shoddy. Gives me a better excuse to move up to the coppers. Ermm
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 69BBB3904spAMX Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Nov/16/2017 at 10:23am
An old school trick we use on flat head engines is to apply a very thin film of grease on both sides of head gaskets, as this keeps the gaskets from binding while torqueing the head nuts down on the head studs.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote akimmet Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Nov/16/2017 at 12:07pm
Be wary of copper head gaskets. While they seal well initially, copper head gaskets tend to leak coolant after a few heat cycles. Every engine builder I have talked to refuse to use a copper head gasket on anything other than a dedicated drag race car.

I have had excellent luck with Cometic head gaskets, the only downside is surface prep and cleanliness. Any dirt or surface irregularity will cause issues.
Some folks have sucessfully used copper coat to allow use of blocks and heads that haven't been properly surfaced smoothly enough for MLS gaskets. However, one is better off having their block and heads decked properly to begin with.
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