Dry Head Gasket? Copper Spray????? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

SanJosesSteve · 08-31-2007, 11:39 AM

Hello,
I'm ready to replace the head on my 59' GMC 270 inline 6. Have a new Felpro gasket, but no idea if it goes on dry or if I should use something like "Indian Head Gasket Sealer" or "Copper Spray"? No instructions with the gasket and no mention of a sealer in the old shop manual.
Also, do I put any type of sealant on the head bolts? Teflon Tape? RTV? Anti-Sieze?
Oh did I mention this is my 1st time changing a head gasket? Looks pretty simple on Gramps old truck, but I know the Devil is inthe details.
Head and block are very clean. Both looked flat when checked with my steel ruler. Cleaned up the carbon deposits in the head. Having it checked for cracks at the machine shop today. Am I missing anything?
Any advice appreciated. Thanks, -Steve

Alex1 · 08-31-2007, 03:47 PM

The gaskets go on dry. Do the bolts go into the water passages? If so they need sealant. Don't use Teflon tape!

SanJosesSteve · 08-31-2007, 04:49 PM

Thanks! -SF

Truckracer · 09-08-2007, 08:44 AM

90% of the time the gasket goes on dry, only steel shim type need something and we paint them with aluminum spray paint.
Use copper coat spray on the head bolts, it will lubricate & seal those bolts going into water jackets.

SanJosesSteve · 09-09-2007, 10:28 AM

Thanks for the tip! I have it torn down and am awiting the head from the machine shop. Thanks again! -Steve in San Jose

08-31-2007, 11:39 AM	#1
SanJosesSteve Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 45	Dry Head Gasket? Copper Spray????? Hello, I'm ready to replace the head on my 59' GMC 270 inline 6. Have a new Felpro gasket, but no idea if it goes on dry or if I should use something like "Indian Head Gasket Sealer" or "Copper Spray"? No instructions with the gasket and no mention of a sealer in the old shop manual. Also, do I put any type of sealant on the head bolts? Teflon Tape? RTV? Anti-Sieze? Oh did I mention this is my 1st time changing a head gasket? Looks pretty simple on Gramps old truck, but I know the Devil is inthe details. Head and block are very clean. Both looked flat when checked with my steel ruler. Cleaned up the carbon deposits in the head. Having it checked for cracks at the machine shop today. Am I missing anything? Any advice appreciated. Thanks, -Steve

08-31-2007, 03:47 PM	#2
Alex1 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Ottawa Ontario Canada Posts: 1,156	Re: Dry Head Gasket? Copper Spray????? The gaskets go on dry. Do the bolts go into the water passages? If so they need sealant. Don't use Teflon tape!

08-31-2007, 04:49 PM	#3
SanJosesSteve Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 45	Re: Dry Head Gasket? Copper Spray????? Thanks! -SF

09-08-2007, 08:44 AM	#4
Truckracer Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Norman, Oklahoma Posts: 18	Re: Dry Head Gasket? Copper Spray????? 90% of the time the gasket goes on dry, only steel shim type need something and we paint them with aluminum spray paint. Use copper coat spray on the head bolts, it will lubricate & seal those bolts going into water jackets. __________________ 23t Altered..

09-09-2007, 10:28 AM	#5
SanJosesSteve Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 45	Re: Dry Head Gasket? Copper Spray????? Thanks for the tip! I have it torn down and am awiting the head from the machine shop. Thanks again! -Steve in San Jose



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