Copper headgasket opinions

[phunny]

Thinking of going to a copper headgasket so I don't have to pull the engine to have the block decked. Opinions on them?

[ostmike]

I've been told that they're a pain to get to seal right but lot's of folks run them without issue. If it's going to save pulling and disassembling an engine I'd give it a try.

[Rodeheavers]

I use SCE Titan ICS gaskets on my car, they have the built in coolant seals, plus they are the next best thing to o-ringing the block. Check em out.
http://www.scegaskets.com/ICS-Titan-Head-Gasket-p6598894-1-2.html

[phunny]

I've been told that they're a pain to get to seal right but lot's of folks run them without issue. If it's going to save pulling and disassembling an engine I'd give it a try.

Thats my thinking, I'm going to call SCE (manufacturer) and seeing if they recommend it for my application. I still need to find a good way to prep to clean the old HG off the block and maybe level it out a bit.

[Rodeheavers]

When I talked to them a while back they told me they have VERY good luck with these gaskets on boosted apps.

[phunny]

When I talked to them a while back they told me they have VERY good luck with these gaskets on boosted apps.

Good, I'm thinking about going copper after the blocks o-ringed. I though my block had some warpage but turns out it was the metal ruler... Thank goodness, I didn't want to tear into her until either this winter or next.

[Balaska347]

You wont blow the gasket obviously but they are some what of a pain. You have to use the sealer and they usually seap or leak a little but I hear this is the normal.

[no1sirbutler]

I still need to find a good way to prep to clean the old HG off the block and maybe level it out a bit.

I have had good success w a line sander. The one I have is just shorter than your average 4cyl block. I scape the gasket like normal and then just use a medium grit sand paper and hit the surfaces both directions.

[Rodeheavers]

You wont blow the gasket obviously but they are some what of a pain. You have to use the sealer and they usually seap or leak a little but I hear this is the normal.

THe SCE gaskets have sealer inbedded in them, mine havent leaked a bit yet!

[Bob Myers]

A few broad comments ...

As was said, copper has it's issues, but is likely the best for what you seem to be describing. I have seen guys lift a head with coppper gaskets then have it sit back down and seal back up ... This is until it did it again and torched the head :D

If you are looking at any MLS gasket, talk to the manufacturer about their required flatness and especially surface finishes. Some brands have very specific requirements. For some reason, nobody in the 2.3 Ford world has been able to make one work for long. In gernal the MLS stuff want flat and smooth finishes.

There is always some witchcraft that can be done with composite gaskets as well (copper spray, etc) ... I'm very lucky that FelPro developed a specific composite gasket for my stuff ... It's got it's issues too, but once you know the details it seals amazing.

Random thoughts.

[Shaun@StreetLethal]

If you can get a can of spray on hylomar do it!

[phunny]

So what are you all's thoughts on what type of sealant to use on MLS?

[Rodeheavers]

So what are you all's thoughts on what type of sealant to use on MLS?

I hav used that "copper high tack" stuff on them before with good results.