steel head gasket sealant

[JackFish]

I see that this topic has come up a few times, and the recommendation seems to be spray or paint a coat of copper rtv on it.
Does this mean both sides?

I already have some black and some copper rtv in tubes, and am reluctant to fork out another $10 for a different delivery system. So I'm wondering if I can just smear a bunch on, and wipe off the excess to simulate the paint or spray on variety?

The steel head gasket has grooves molded into strategic areas, and I understand these areas will compress. I also had the thought the perhaps just a bead in these areas would be appropriate instead of complete coverage?

 

[rbohm]

8) with steel shim head gaskets you need to coat both sides of the gasket.

 

[64falconsix]

yes you need to coat both sides. Its been a long time since I used copper coat but It' s a compleatly different product from an R.T.V. . I do'nt know if the R.T.V. would be the best choice on a head gasket , I would go with the copper coat . I have always used the K&W brand.

 

[sixpony]

My uncle who worked on my dad's cars used "Indian head" brand gasket shellac, I saw some on the shelves not long ago, I remember the little brown bottle with the native american wearing the headress on the lable. Don't know about the quality of the seal that it gives, I imagine this was the only choice 40 years ago. I do know the permatex spray on copper works great on exhaust manifold gaskets.

 

[powerband]

The '63 has a 170 with a late 70's head milled @ 070 and chamber matched to @ 48cc's. This with the metal shim gasket yields @ 98:1 CR. The head was extensively built for a 250 but decided to try on the 170.

I hung the steel shim gasket and sprayed both sides with copper gasket sealant. Not RTV but an adhesive type spray like High Tack...

After 2 yrs and lots of miles it still seals with no problems. The engine needs 93 Octane to run well but gets good mileage as well as fun performance.