I am about to install a Felpro PermaTorque Gasket on my 302 and I´ve been getting some conflicting advice.
Some pretty experienced mechanics have said to copper coat both sides of the gasket before the install, others say to install it absolutely clean and dry.
I have had some sealing problems installing the gasket dry, so I am leaning towards the coppercoat advice. Are there disadvantages to using the CC?
The last engine I assembled was a Continental G176 and I had all sorts of trouble getting the head to seal. I was cold boiling the coolant and leaking coolant out of the head surface. I retorqued. I pulled the head and retorqued. I finally removed the head, sprayed both sides of the gasket and both sealing surfaces. Reassembly was uneventful and it has run perfectly ever since. I cannot say that this will fix your condition, but it certainly could not hurt. Is there anything preventing the head from setting down? Old gasket? Blocked dowel pin holes? I would definitely spray the gasket.
I use the copper spray whenever I replace my headgaskets.Never had a problem.I use fel-pro also.
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1966 Mustang coupe,331 12:1, solid cam,windsor jr,vic jr, pro-systems 750dp.flowing 780cfm ,c4 w/brake,8" conv 4:11 rear with spool.
Best time so far 10.85@121.84 on 255/60/15 M/T drag radials
Modern engines have tighter clearances and smoother surfaces than older parts. Some surfaces were ground a little rough years ago but a composition gasket and some cc and it was good to go. Use a modern multi layer steel gasket on the same thing and it may leak. If surfaces are correct and straight you absolutely do not need copper coat. If you have had leaks be sure you have good lubricated threads. It is also common to use 10 lbs more torque on the long bolts after you follow correct torque procedures. Mark
Two coats of copper paint or silver-chrome paint will help seal any gasket. torquing the gasket down in 10 pound increments is a real help too. Start at 20 ft lbs and then 30, 40 up to the maximum.
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66 Mustang Coupe. 365hp, 4spd Toploader, sub-frame connectors
Shelby drop, suspension tuned for slalom and hill climb
body mods and weight reduced to 2000lbs; name: Muskrat
I use it on every head job I do and have never had a problem. I look at it like extra insurance.
Keith/ Bumble
__________________ If electricity comes from electrons, does morality come from morons?
1971 Ford Torino
1999 Ford Mustang
1965 Galaxie 500 LTD 2 door fastback
1967 Sunbeam Alpine
If you take the time to read the instructions with the gaskets, it says to install them dry.
With todays machining techniques the old spray paint idea is not needed.
MLS gaskets do not need copper coat or spray paint to seal correctly.
I also use Copper Coat or aluminum paint. I have done this for years on both older engines and newer engines and have yet to have any problems. I also have heard of problems associated with 'dry' head gaskets but I have yet to hear of any problems caused by using either type of sealer on them.
