What kind of sealant should I use for headgasket?

[DSM_AWD_TSi]

I have the Cometic 3 layer gasket and ARP head studs, I heard I need to use copper spray and sealant. What kind (brand, type) of copper spray and sealant is recommanded? Thanks.

 

[seefour]

You don't want to use any spray or sealant on a MLS gasket. The reason behind this is the spray will cause the layers to stick to the block and head rendering the Multi-layer seal useless.

 

[Xit40]

Copper spray is a personal call. There's a huge thread on it here. What your talking about is Permatex Copper Spray. My machinist uses it on all the metal head gaskets he puts in, but then again he's usually building DIRT Race Car Motors (a.k.a. small and big block chevy's). Defiant likes the stuff. Search around and decide for yourself it's your engine.

 

[luvmygst]

Ive used the spray copper on every motor I have ever built. From my Eclipse, Talon, my mustang etc... I view it as a little extra insurace to get a perfect seal on the water jackets. just my .02

 

[seefour]

I knew I'd open a can of worms with that statement, Haha. I guess it's up to you if you want to use it or not.

 

[Defiant]

When there's a squabble in the world about products like this, the final boil-down usually comes down to it doesn't matter. I've always used copper spray because the guys I trusted most and learned the most from when I was starting always did, and I've never had reason not to. At the same time, there are those out there who undoubtedly used it on their first rebuild, and had a head gasket fail. They'll be just as permanently set against ever using it again, regardless whether it really was the fault of the spray, its application, or something completely unrelated and only coincidental.

 

[DsM KiD4]

can u use it on an oem headgasket?