Head gasket
New User
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 11
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Head gasket
I just got my heads back from the shop, with a complete valve job. I was wondering what is the best way to ensure a good seal on the engine? My dad was thinking of taking some emery cloth to the engine block to remove any depostes that have formed since removal. Is this a good idea or would it be to roff a surface and gouge the engine. ALso does any one recommend using gasket sealer such as ultra black on the head gasket it self. Or is it just best not to use it on the surfact but just on the bolts alone.
Thanks
Robert
1983 Mustang w/ a 1970 F-100 302 block w/ c9te heads.
Thanks
Robert
1983 Mustang w/ a 1970 F-100 302 block w/ c9te heads.
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 41
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From: Novato
Head gasket
Spray some WD40 on the block and use the emery cloth, just don't get to carried away. Once done, make sure you have a good wipe down of the sealing surface. Take a good look at your new head gasket, they only go on one way, but they are usually marked "this side up". DON'T use a sealer on your head gasket! Once the heads are on, torque the heads, in proper sequence, in accordance with the manufacters instructions.
Have fun!!!
Have fun!!!
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 94
Likes: 0
Head gasket
3M ScotchBrite pads work pretty good for cleaning up the surface without damaging it. As far as sealer goes, it generally should NOT be used but you should check the package your gaskets came in. Some OEM gaskets use some RTV around the water passages. I bought some MR. Gasket head gaskets, they are supposed to be blow proof- good up to 20:1 compression and are designed for using superchargers and nitrous. They say on the back of the package in big bold type not to use sealer.
-Jon
-Jon
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 402
Likes: 0
Head gasket
Head gaskets should be installed dry.I would recomend putting a thin bead of rtv around the water jackets on the lower intake.Also,do not use the cork or rubber end pieces.Use a good bead of silicone,especially at the corners where it meats the heads.Let it dry overnight before adding fluids to the engine.
Billy
Billy
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,712
Likes: 1
From: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Head gasket
If you look at the package of most Decent head gaskets, they will have what appears to be a bead of silicone already around the oil/water passages, so you don't have to worry about it. If you use good fasteners and a good gasket, and your block is in good shape, then don't worry about it. I just pulled a head gasket off my engine, and it liked a blast of WD-40, then use a chisel or a paint scraper to get the old material off, then I took Blue majic metal polish to the deck to really clean it up/smooth it out.
Happy Wrenching,
John F. Daly III
The TorqueKing
Happy Wrenching,
John F. Daly III
The TorqueKing
