What type sealer to use on head gasket?

[Anonymous]

I'm using the NOS steel shim type gasket and need to know what type (specific brand and name) of sealer to use.

Also, do I completely cover the gasket (even in the "dimples"), or is it only applied in certain spots?

 

[rbohm]

8) the last time i used a steel shim head gasket i used spray on copper coat from permatex. never had a problem with it sealing.

 

[BIGREDRASA]

Spray or brush-on CopperCoat.

 

[Mustangaroo]

I just used the spray on copper coat from permatex also, it's in a copper coored can, spray both sides of the gasket and don't skimp, put a nice thick coat on both sides and let it set for just a few minutes and I also sprayed around the water jacket holes on the block, make sure theres no water or other crud in the bolt holes. You don't want them to bottom out!

 

[BIGREDRASA]

CopperCoat is also good as an antiseize compound on your bolt threads.

 

[Anonymous]

Just to vote in with everyone else, spray on copper coat from permatex sprayed liberally on both sides of the gasket - and then on the bolts because I'm sure you'll find that you wish whoever had done it before you had used some sort of antiseize on them! And this works well for that.

 

[61Futura]

You'll want the sealant on the 2 head bolts that go into the water jacket for sure. I don't think that I used sealant on those 2 bolts, but haven't noticed a water leak yet. At least those 2 bolts aren't under the valve cover.