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head gasket tech question

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by Gary48, Feb 20, 2005.

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  1. Gary48

    Gary48 Guest

    Dec 30, 2003
    940
    #1 Gary48, Feb 20, 2005
    Heres a good one for the engine techies. When installing a new head gasket (Elring) should an installer use the gasket straight-up with no sealer or would higher mechanical efficiency be realized by coating the gasket with a spray graphite? Teflon? Moly?
    This application is a 246 with aluminum heads and cast iron block. Does the aluminum actually slide on the gasket when it expands approx. 1.7 times the cast iron?
    I have also heard of some use of aluminum paint on some gaskets. It seems that allowing the slide would be a good idea as long as it didn't allow too much movement of the gasket and consequent failure. Any real life experiance too draw on? Theory's appreciated

    Gary
     
  2. tbakowsky

    tbakowsky Two Time F1 World Champ
    Consultant Professional Ferrari Technician

    Sep 18, 2002
    20,035
    The Cold North
    Full Name:
    Tom
    #2 tbakowsky, Feb 20, 2005
    I always install head gaskets dry. Make sure all surfaces are clean and straight, and the heads are torqued in the propper sequence and you will be just fine. The only heads gaskets that I have ever replaces that cars for sealant are Lambo head gaskets and Lotus.
     
  3. Gary48

    Gary48 Guest

    Dec 30, 2003
    940
    #3 Gary48, Feb 20, 2005
    tbakowsky, thanks for the reply! Any of these compounds that I have suggested are dry film lubricants and not sealants. Perhaps that would make a differance.
     
  4. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
    37,288
    Cowboy Capitol of the World
    Full Name:
    Brian Crall
    #4 Rifledriver, Feb 21, 2005
    Head gaskets are designed to be installed just the way they come out of the package and considering that Ferrari and their subcontractors conquered head gasket problems about 40 years ago I have just been doing it their way.
     
  5. Matt Morgan, "Kermit"

    Matt Morgan, "Kermit" Formula Junior

    Nov 12, 2003
    405
    Ferndale, WA
    #5 Matt Morgan, "Kermit", Feb 21, 2005
    The only thing I could think to add that will help is to make sure that the head and block surfaces are cleaned of oil and such by wiping them with Acetone, or similar.
    HTH
    Kermit
     
  6. Gary48

    Gary48 Guest

    Dec 30, 2003
    940
    #6 Gary48, Feb 21, 2005
    Rifledriver, thanks it seems that is the concensus. I asked my pro engine builder and he says the same thing, but now I searched several sites, Erling and Fel-pro among them and it seams that they use graphite and ptfe in some of their metal composite head gaskets. Now I am into analysis paralisis. Any more analytical data out their.

    Gary
     
  7. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
    37,288
    Cowboy Capitol of the World
    Full Name:
    Brian Crall
    #7 Rifledriver, Feb 21, 2005

    Exellent advice.
     
  8. Gary48

    Gary48 Guest

    Dec 30, 2003
    940
    #8 Gary48, Feb 21, 2005
    Thanks Guys, It looks like I will go with clean and dry. Best regards

    Gary
     

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