What head gaskets should be used with aluminum heads? I just removed the heads and found electrolysis had started deterioration on all the studs Any suggestions on stopping that?
Thanks,
Tim

 

Call John Mummert (FORD Y) he sells aluminum heads so he should be able to give you a solution. Most of the serious Y Blockers use BEST gaskets John sells them as well.

 

The galvanic action is caused by the dissimilar metals in contact with moisture present. Stainless steel studs will prevent that, but that's probably not what you wanted to hear. Also, the formulation of your coolant has a role in it. But I will defer to Mr. Mummert.

 

I assume this is on the flathead you are building? I agree that coolant quality is important. Is the strength of the studs compromised? Using a good sealant on the threads in the block helps, but you may not want to pull all of the studs. Better now than later?

Aluminum heads get torqued to a lower value than the iron heads, so I'd be inclined to use FelPro composition gaskets, but I have no experience with those heads. On the Ford Barn, lots of guys use copper with lots of CopprKote. I'm not a fan, your deck and heads need to be perfect for that.