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Head Gasket Replacement by smmilke
Started on: 12-06-2013 03:44 PM
Replies: 9 (460 views)
Last post by: Spoon on 12-08-2013 10:13 PM
smmilke
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Report this Post12-06-2013 03:44 PM Click Here to See the Profile for smmilkeSend a Private Message to smmilkeEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
I ordered a Felpro gasket kit for doing the rebuild on my 2.5. The head gasket that came with the kit is giving me some concerns. Apparently this is a steel core laminated gasket. That being the case I have no idea how to treat it. Can I install it like a composite, totally dry, or is it like an MLS gasket where I need to use a sealant coating before I put the gasket on. I have a resurfaced head, but the block was not re-machined (I used some 320 grit sandpaper to get it cleaned up and can still see the original machining marks). Will this gasket be as sensitive as an MLS in that I need to have the block's mating surface machined? <not really an option since I'm doing all this in the car. I can get a pic of the gasket if that helps.
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tuggajb
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Report this Post12-06-2013 05:08 PM Click Here to See the Profile for tuggajbSend a Private Message to tuggajbEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
I always spray silver paint on my head gaskets put it on wet never had a faiiler
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trotterlg
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Report this Post12-06-2013 05:41 PM Click Here to See the Profile for trotterlgSend a Private Message to trotterlgEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Just clean off all the oil or anything else on the head and block and put it on dry. No sealant, paint or any other urban mith coating. Larry
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smmilke
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Report this Post12-07-2013 05:12 PM Click Here to See the Profile for smmilkeSend a Private Message to smmilkeEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
The manual and the instructions that came with the gasket are pretty specific about using a sealant on MLS gaskets and just installing composites dry. I would feel better if I had a little more feedback, as I have gotten a lot of mixed answers.
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trotterlg
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Report this Post12-07-2013 05:59 PM Click Here to See the Profile for trotterlgSend a Private Message to trotterlgEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
If you have instructions that came with the gaskets it would probably be a good plan to do whtat they say to do. Larry
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Lou6t4gto
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Report this Post12-07-2013 06:08 PM Click Here to See the Profile for Lou6t4gtoSend a Private Message to Lou6t4gtoEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
DRY, do yourself a favor and USE NEW" head bolts". I tried to skip it and was doing it again after a year.
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1fast2m4
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Report this Post12-07-2013 06:17 PM Click Here to See the Profile for 1fast2m4Send a Private Message to 1fast2m4Edit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
"Steel core laminate" is that not MLS? (Multi Layer Steel)? A true MLS gasket will look like it has a non-stick pan coating on it.

I know what you are worried about with the Deck surface and MLS gaskets, but as far as I know it's not an issue with every engine, it's just a matter of how smooth the factory got the block decked. If you think it will be an issue just use a conventional gasket.


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smmilke
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Report this Post12-07-2013 09:44 PM Click Here to See the Profile for smmilkeSend a Private Message to smmilkeEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
The instructions are just a generic note they put in with all their gasket kits, it doesn't address steel core laminate gaskets. This is definitely different than an MLS gasket, there is some kind of opaque film over the steel layer. I'm starting to think that the coating is enough to make a good seal and I should just put it on dry.
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ltlfrari
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Report this Post12-08-2013 11:05 AM Click Here to See the Profile for ltlfrariClick Here to visit ltlfrari's HomePageSend a Private Message to ltlfrariEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Best info I could find just googling it was Felpro dry, Cosmic (I think that's the brand) use a sealant , copper spray or Mopar part num 04318035 although a lot depends on the flatness of the block with some people saying spray it anyway.

Not a lot of help really I guess! Sorry...

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Spoon
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Report this Post12-08-2013 10:13 PM Click Here to See the Profile for SpoonSend a Private Message to SpoonEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
I'd go with the manufacturer's instructions, but in the good old days a good coating of "Indian-Head" sealer by permatex on both sides of the gasket and you'd ---NEVER EVER---- have to worry about a leak, even if you forgot to put half the head bolts in.

Spoon

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"Kilgore Trout once wrote a short story which was a dialogue between two pieces of yeast. They were discussing the possible purposes of life as they ate sugar and suffocated in their own excrement. Because of their limited intelligence, they never came close to guessing that they were making champagne." - Kurt Vonnegut

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