Head Gasket dressing...what do you recommend?

[Bugman]

When putting on a solid copper head gasket, what type of dressing do you recommend? I've heard of the copper spray-a-gasket dressing, as well as regular old aluminum spray paint. Anything else that works well? What do you recommend? Thanks.

-Jeff

[Bugman]

By the way, it's a stock Mopar flat head.

-Jeff

[yorgatron]

copper spray-a-gasket.BTW i've never seen that aluminum paint stuff for sale anywhere,so i've never tried it-george

[fab32]

The Aluminum paint that everyone talks about is just regular aluminum spray paint, available everywhere. We've used it for years and it works excellent on any head gasket that requires a sealer.
The most successful method is to spray one or two even coats on both sides of the gasket. Let those coats dry. Then apply a fresh coat (even and not too heavy) and install the gasket while the paint is still tacky, put the head in postiton, install the bolts, and torque the head down. DONE DEAL.

Frank

[flt-blk]

I always thought head gaskets went on dry.
Is the goop to seal the water jackets better?
TZ

[286merc]

The aluminum spray method has been around since the spray can was invented. The stuff sold in auto stores is just a colored higher priced version.

It works by filling in all the tiny holes and valleys on even a fresh machined block and head.
DO NOT use Aviation Permatex on the gasket. It works great however on head bolts that go into the water jacket.

[flying clutchman]

wow, i have never heard of the aluminum spray paint trick. thats pretty damn interesting. i always just used the regular old spray on adhesive. i am gonna try it on my next mill.

diego