4age head gasket q

[mr pad]

Do you need to use some sort of sealant when fitting a new head gasket? If yes, what sort?

[sergei]

Not really, but you can use copper coat spray.

[mr pad]

Does it make a difference?

[deaf_rattle]

i think its good practice to do so, did you get new bolts? or using the old ones?

sometimes the stock bolts can stretch.

also make sure you apply grease to the threads of the bolts as this increases the pressure that holds the head onto the block.

[evil_si]

personally i dont use anything, unless the workshop manual says to.

unless its a steel headgasket then i use either copper spray or silver paint.

i always use a bit of clean engine oil on the theads and under the bolt's head and washer

[trueno_20v]

how come you use copper spray or silver paint?

[atmosports]

I'm with Evil_si on this, I'd usually fit a gasket dry unless specified otherwise by the gasket manufacturer or in a workshop manual. As above when I do use something to help seal it(which is generally only when I've had a previous problem with head gaskets not sealing) I only use either Aluminium Paint(the stuff that looks like liquid aluminium & contains the like aluminium flakes) or else the VHT or similar copper gasket stuff which comes in a spray can. Always use the manufacturers recomended lube on bolts/studs etc ebfore you torque them, that way you will get the proper torque not a higher/lower reading & it always pays to make sure the head bolts/studs will pull the head up before bottoming out as I've been caught out once before on a late night rebuild & found the hole depth varied from one engine block to another & one head stud was fractionally too long which resulted in a head gasket that would occasionally weap & cause an occasional misfire.

[Dell'Orto]

Dont do what someone I know did, and use silicone sealant

[mr pad]

Cheers for the info. Ill fit it dry. Apply oil to the new bolts before fitting them.

[Adamal]

I remember a couple of years back when I had my old Nissan Sunny, me and dad replaced the head gasket in that and the one I picked up from Repco had like its own sealant. Looked as if that when it would heat up, it would make the seal.

Do OEM ones not typically have this? I haven't done one in anything else!

[crispy'86]

Just usua; practice to fit head gasket dry , very common practice to do this