copper spray gaskets [Merged 6-9]

[white20gfwd]

i waws wondering if i should put copper spray on my head gasket. i used it on my stock hg last time i did a timming belt. will it help or hinder my performance?

 

[Razor_DSM]

id imagine it would help, since the copper spray is a hg sealer, and improves heat transfer. but id like some conformation if anyone has.

 

[allwheelTSI]

well it can only make a better seal,i really don't think thats going to hurt your performance,i use it on everything with a metal gasket. seems to work great.

 

[Kingdom]

I did it to my Mitsu metal head gasket. It worked fine, pretty sure their will be no performance difference. Just a better seal and better chance of not having a leaking gasket.

 

[Defiant]

I use copper spray on all head gaskets, personal preference. Hasn't been a mistake on any engines I've built yet.

 

[wrcruz]

Where can I buy this copper spray.

 

[Defiant]

Any auto parts store. Permatex Copper... something... dang, I used to know this..... argh

 

[Rick@AP]

I would say don't put a Mitsu head gasket on without it. Seriously...

I've seen the stock composite head gasket hold more than 30psi without blowing out when using the copper spray. The only downside is that once its attached its attached for real. It takes quite a bit of work to remove the parts.

 

[Blitzed95Eclips]

Anyone know if i should have copper spray when im putting on my new head gasket. I just want to know if its a dumb idea to not use it.

 

[Blitzed95Eclips]

im not talking about using just copper spray instead of an acctual headgasket. Im talking about using it along with the metal headgasket

 

[turboholic]

-You can use it as an insurance, I didn't use any glue on either metal or graphite gaskets and they seem to be holding fine.

 

[Groomz]

When you say attached really well, you mean that it would be difficult to remove the gasket after sealing it with the copper spray? It makes sense, but its not impossible to remove afterwards, is it?

 

[QuickerDSM]

Originally posted by Groomz
When you say attached really well, you mean that it would be difficult to remove the gasket after sealing it with the copper spray? It makes sense, but its not impossible to remove afterwards, is it?

I think he was refering to using the copper spray on a normal fiber type head gasket. Only then would it require extra work to remove, as it would probably tear the gasket apart since both sides would want to stick their respective surfaces.

I used the Permatex copper spray on my MLS head gasket last August and it's held great at 17psi daily use. No oil pushing at all.

Mike

 

[Groomz]

Originally posted by QuickerDSM
I think he was refering to using the copper spray on a normal fiber type head gasket. Only then would it require extra work to remove, as it would probably tear the gasket apart since both sides would want to stick their respective surfaces.

I used the Permatex copper spray on my MLS head gasket last August and it's held great at 17psi daily use. No oil pushing at all.

Mike

Thanks!

 

[Rick99gsx]

Last night I was installing the head (6bolt engine and head w/ ARP studs) and realized that one of the old washers for the head bolt was still in the head. I want to take the head off since I’m having problems taking the washer out and putting the ARP unit in(spring is in the way). The problem is that I used copper spray on the gasket…. Do I just take the head off and put it back in or do I need to clean the copper spray… if I have to clean it is there a solvent you guys can recommend.

 

[diambo4life]

I personally would just lay another coat and re-install the HG (kinda hard to tell without seeing it first )- this is also assuming you didn't torque the head down yet. Make sure you set all the ARP washers in place on the head before you set it down on the block.

 

[TSIfreek]

brake clean and a rag takes the copper spray off well without harm

 

[Rick99gsx]

thanks guys I'll give it a try

 

[Steve93Talon]

you try a magnet?

 

[Rick99gsx]

Yes I did use a magnet but the valve spring is in the way, since I'm using the studs I'll have to take the head out to install ALL the washers before I put the head back on. This is my first time so I guess thats my lesson for now

 

[Prez]

Ok I just put down a metal 4layer HG on a fresh decked, honed, hot tanked block and a decked, hot tanked, new valve stem seals head. I did not use any copper spray and tourques to 90 FT lbs with 30W oil with ARPS.

This going to hold? Some people say use copper spray some say don't. Anyone point me in the right direction... anyone not spray their metal HG and it stay sealed just fine?

 

[93AWDTalon1]

I just did the same thing but I used copper spray because I wanted to lower the possibility of doing a headgasket again. But I would say if you torqued it down right and got everything flat it may hold.

 

[i1nk83]

i would go ahead and pull it back off and use copper spray. i have heard that its a bi*** to get them too seal anyway. might as well do it now and not later. good luck

 

[Scrymerr]

i would go ahead and pull it back off and use copper spray. i have heard that its a bi*** to get them too seal anyway. might as well do it now and not later. good luck

I wouldn't. If both surfaces were prepped correctly as you said, then you will be fine. I do believe you have to torque it a little bit more when using oil instead of the provided moly lube, so just make sure your torque spec is correct and you will be fine.

 

[Prez]

I wouldn't. If both surfaces were prepped correctly as you said, then you will be fine. I do believe you have to torque it a little bit more when using oil instead of the provided moly lube, so just make sure your torque spec is correct and you will be fine.

Yes both the head and block were decked and machined flat. I figured it would be ok since both surfaces had been decked but I just wanted to make sure before I throw it all back in the car. I'm building it all up fo run high 11s this year and be a daily driver so I want to do it right.