I have a copper head gasket for my 12:1 686. I need to replace a blown base gasket and figure I'll use the copper head gasket since I've already got it. I was running the Cometic HP gasket without incident but I dont think I can reuse it. Anyhow any reccomendations about using the copper gasket? I have some permatex ultra copper to seal it up with although the instructions reccomend ultra gray sealer which I cant find locally. It also reccomends re torqueing the head after warm up which isnt really practical since I'd have to tear off the valve cover. Is re-torquing necessary? Other thoughts here? thanx.

 

NE1?

 

I haven't known anybody to use the copper gasket. I have re-used my Cometic HP head gasket before. I have always re-torqued my head after a few heat cycles. It has never been off by much, but it has been off a little. I am sure I could find some ultra grey and send it to you if you think it will make a differance. I'm not sure what the differance between the two is.

 

We always used a spray on adhesive with our automotive copper head gasket applications.....not sure if rub on stuff would allow the gasket too seal flat or not? The copper gaskets generally are much thicker, robbing compression. If you can't find the Ultra Grey and Ward can't find it, I don't mind looking around here.

 

45, did you use this gasket or go back to the HP? If so how did it work for you?

 

I would like too know as well.
Oh...yea, retorqueing is normally not required on a copper gasket.

 

I know on the package for the HP is says .030 I'm assuming this is thickness what is the copper one that you found?

 

I used the copper gasket and seem to have some symptoms of a bad head gasket. I have to eliminate the other possibilites to be sure. There has been no coolant in the oil and none seems to be in the combustion chamber but I did have a boil over and my thermostat was working. I did however not properly refill the radiator after doing my clutch while up on it's side and it probably was low on coolant as after the refill it didnt seem to overheat again. I keep making really stupid noobie mistakes when I'm pressed for time on stuff.... I know better.... it ran just as strong as it did with the cometic.

 

The problems you've had were the ones that concerned me. I'm assuming that you used sealent of some type around the water jackets and it still had the problem?

 

I used the spray on copper sealant, I tested the thermostat at home and she opened up just fine. I'm afraid I might have had a bad case of HUA and lost more coolant than I thought when I pulled the water pump, I forgot I dropped the hose and lost a bit and only refilled the overflow bottle instead of the radiator itself. I've just got to remember to take a bit more time and care before I really mess something up, it's a stupid mistake. I will say however that after replacing the clutch basket with the hinson was a helluva move, no clutch issues at all with hard drags most of the day. My stock basket required me to fiddle with adjustments as the day would go on.