I've searched our website and read several articles on Copper coat spray for sealing steel shim head gaskets. I went to Advance and found Copper Spray "adhesive" from Versachem that says it is used for head gaskets, intake manifold gaskets, exhaust gaskets, high performance, etc. and it says it is good to 575 F. The part that bothers me is the word "adhesive". The guy at the counter says they sell a lot of it to guys building engines. Do you think this will work? Is it basically the same? Anyone have an idea?

Clyde

I've used that very spray in the same type of application you are planning on... Actually looks like spray paint when it comes out but does add extra insurance and the word "adhesive" should not create you any concerns... Besides, how else is the copper spray gonna stick to the gasket... Go for it dude, I use it all the time with no problems...

I use that all the time on mopar head gaskets since none of those POS engines can seem to hold one over the first 125k of existance. It works well.

The Turbo Buick guys seem to be using CONSTRUCTION ADHESIVE for their headgaskets.

http://www.rjcracing.com/RJC_Buick_Products/RJC_Head_Gasket_Kit/rjc_head_gasket_kit.html

I'm tempted to try it with NO gasket. smile.gif
(Pistons are .050 in the hole)

If you are using plain steel shim head gaskets, then I have used the copper spray with good luck.

If you are using higher end MLS gaskets (Cometic, Fel-Pro, Victor-Reinz) they are coated (typically with Viton) and need to go on DRY.

Keep in mind though, with either MLS or Steel Shim, if the surface finish on your heads and block aren't up to snuff (read: very smooth, 32 RA or smoother) don't be surprised if you have leaks! The steel shim and MLS gaskets are not very forgiving and do not take kindly to rough surfaces.

Troy

Originally posted by Gokou:
If you are using plain steel shim head gaskets, then I have used the copper spray with good luck.

If you are using higher end MLS gaskets (Cometic, Fel-Pro, Victor-Reinz) they are coated (typically with Viton) and need to go on DRY.

Keep in mind though, with either MLS or Steel Shim, if the surface finish on your heads and block aren't up to snuff (read: very smooth, 32 RA or smoother) don't be surprised if you have leaks! The steel shim and MLS gaskets are not very forgiving and do not take kindly to rough surfaces.

Troy The intructions that came with the head set for my 97 F150 states that if the proper surface finish can't be obtained with MLS gaskets, use copper spray on the gaskets. I used it and no problems so far, 1 year later.

Jeff

I found the real stuff (Copper coat) at NAPA and put them on last night. I'll know this weekend if it worked. Thanks for the input.

Clyde

Yes, Copper Cote spray or shoe polish dauber bottle OR cheap, Krylon type, Aluminum spray can paint!!

Put it on good and thick and install still slightly tacky and imho you are good to go.

I always retorque my heads at least three times after running my motor back and forth to work b/c I'm anal on this when using shims!!

And I do take my headers off/drop down loose each time to get to the bottom bolts.

After I get my heads cinched down like I want, I then start cinching down my headers and some of those hard to get at bolts might take up to 5 or 6 times to finally get tight!!!

I know, it's a pain but does assure no or min. leakage over the long haul..

Some of ther guys go Mr. Gasket white composite gaskets, others go with stock, stamped, embossed-metal, composite and still others go more high-priced ones so take your pick on header gaskets... And some use singles and others put two layers of them on?????

pdq67