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Copper gasket spray

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roughidle

10+ Year Contributor
43
1
Jan 3, 2010
Watsontown, Pennsylvania
Is it a good idea to use the copper spray-a-gasket on a new head gasket when installing, or will it be a bad idea? I've been curious as I have heard some people say to use it all the time, and others never use it. Just curiouse if it would help at all....thanks
 
I've used it a few times on head gaskets on several cars, but they were just regular old rebuilds. The machine work wasn't anything great. If you can get a good finish on your mating surfaces I don't think you should need it. I didn't use it on my own car the last time I installed the cometic head gasket and it sealed just fine. Still running strong. I really think it's more of a preference or a just in case type of deal.
 
if it is a new gasket it doesn't need it. if it needed it... it would come with it from the manufacturer. the gasket already comes with a chemical coating which bonds the cylinder head to the block as soon as it reaches operating temp. if you disrupt that seal I.E. remove the cylinder head for whatever reason... depending on the type of gasket and how long you ran the motor then you can spray a THIN layer of copper spray and re-torque the cylinder head and it should be ok. this is ONLY for multi layer steel gaskets... NOT for organic head gaskets.
 
if it is a new gasket it doesn't need it. if it needed it... it would come with it from the manufacturer. the gasket already comes with a chemical coating which bonds the cylinder head to the block as soon as it reaches operating temp. if you disrupt that seal I.E. remove the cylinder head for whatever reason... depending on the type of gasket and how long you ran the motor then you can spray a THIN layer of copper spray and re-torque the cylinder head and it should be ok. this is ONLY for multi layer steel gaskets... NOT for organic head gaskets.

Some would argue that copper spray should never be used on an MLS gasket. MLS gaskets should only be used if both surfaces (Head,and Block) are machined completely flat. Again copper spray is only a matter of opinion.
 
As per Permatex, the company that makes it! The intended use is for metal gaskets, like the mls or metal exhaust gasket. It does nothing for a cosmetic or stock gasket. Just makes it copper color. Hope this helps! Get stock gasket and arp studs and you have nothing to worry about
 
I did on my recent OEM HG job and its held like a champ. I use it on all gaskets that come in contact with exhaust or moving air... but not on gaskets that see coolant or oil. Seems to definitely help the gasket seal.

As per Permatex, the company that makes it! The intended use is for metal gaskets, like the mls or metal exhaust gasket. It does nothing for a cosmetic or stock gasket. Just makes it copper color. Hope this helps! Get stock gasket and arp studs and you have nothing to worry about

What the heck is a cosmetic gasket? If you meant cometic, then its also metal.

http://www.permatex.com/products/Au...r_Spray-A-Gasket_Hi-Temp_Adhesive_Sealant.htm

Permatex pretty much says its a universal sealing spray, FYI.
 
i always check everything with a straightedge if it checks out i will install the head gasket if it needs machining i will get it done at my local machine shop. but i have never used the copper spray and have had no problems with leaking.
 
Its really up to you. That stuff doesn't add any material really, just helps promote a better seal. It wouldn't hurt to spray the gasket, but not entirely necessary either!
 
We are doing/did an 89' Accord w/ 228K on the engine (and head gasket) and since it's worth like $350, we used the copper spray to seal the crack in the gasket. It worked and filled the crack nicely, and the same thing with a Civic we just did.
 
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