Head Gasket sealant Q....

hardtimes

hardtimes

Well-known member
Some old timers, including 95 yr old, that I've discussed model a engines with, have stated that they used GREASE on head gaskets when installing same. While I have no reason to not believe this information. I am trying to logically/practically understand the mechanical sealing of compression or lack thereof...when grease is used :confused: Mabe that's all they had available back when ? Any engine ears can rationalize grease use ?
 
Some years back I installed a 5.5 head. The supplier said to use the
fel-pro gasket. After two attempts I could not get it to seal. It wept each time around the serial number on the block. I finally went to an old time Model A guy and explained my problem. His answer was simple. He said to apply a thin coat of axle grease to both sides of a stock copper head gasket. I did what he said and have not had any seepage. He also stated that the head would be easy to remove if needed as it is not glued to the block. I have no idea about any scientific data on this, however, my results speak volumes. P.S. I had the head surfaced prior to its initial installation.
 
the grease or gold paint, silver paint lets the head gasket slip or center itself when torquing the head, it allows the gasket to creep a little bit so not to creat a wrinkle or bunch up when tightened, none of these will seal a head gasket, they just help the gasket to do its job of sealing, a flat sealing surface on the head and block is what lets the gasket seal and stop leaks
 
Hey Thanks....I worked in a farm shop in the 60's and we always sprayed aluminum paint on head gaskets. I never understood that it was to aid in alignment of the gaskets ...a john deere 2010 diesel would teach you all you needed to know about head gaskets.
 
silver paint is something I used as a kid on the old steel gaskets ..........
 
here is what it does,
 

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Dick M said:
Some years back I installed a 5.5 head. The supplier said to use the
fel-pro gasket. After two attempts I could not get it to seal. It wept each time around the serial number on the block. I finally went to an old time Model A guy and explained my problem. His answer was simple. He said to apply a thin coat of axle grease to both sides of a stock copper head gasket. I did what he said and have not had any seepage. He also stated that the head would be easy to remove if needed as it is not glued to the block. I have no idea about any scientific data on this, however, my results speak volumes. P.S. I had the head surfaced prior to its initial installation.
Click to expand...

Hey Dick,
Interesting that you actually used GREASE on a copper head gasket...and it WORKED for you:) !
Anyone else who can add practical experience with GREASE on a head gasket or opinion as to why it would or would not work as old timers state ?
 
hardtimes said:
Hey Dick,
Interesting that you actually used GREASE on a copper head gasket...and it WORKED for you:) !
Anyone else who can add practical experience with GREASE on a head gasket or opinion as to why it would or would not work as old timers state ?
Click to expand...

hardtimes,

When I was shown how to gasket Model A's, and other old car parts, as a teenager in the '70's, all the old timers used grease or heavy oil on the metal head gaskets.

Usually, I still use this method today, sure saves on dis-assembly. The only times that I have blown head gaskets is from overheating the engine.

I was also taught to install paper/cork gaskets by using gasket shellac on the cold side and grease on the hot side. For example, when you remove your side valve cover to adjust your non-stock tappets, you just re-grease the gasket and re-install.

Darryl in Fairbanks
 
I also used grease back when you bought a can of Cooper-kote and found out it didn't have hardly any cooper in it at all. I use spray Cooper-kote now and it seems to have some cooper in it and have good luck with it.
 
Gold Digger said:
I also used grease back when you bought a can of Cooper-kote and found out it didn't have hardly any cooper in it at all. I use spray Cooper-kote now and it seems to have some cooper in it and have good luck with it.
Click to expand...

I've used the cans with the screw lid with a round dabber on it, but had to first shake the can to put the copper back in suspension, otherwise it settled to the bottom. Same with aerosol cans.
 
My grandfather used White string, like Kite String on his Ford Model A head gasket. In those times, a new head gasket was too expensive, so he used White Kite String to seal the it. He used this on all his old cars/trucks and tractors. In fact, I just took a Hercules IXB3 4 cylinder motor appart from a 1948 Oliver Cletrac Model HG 68, and it still had the White Kite String atop the head gasket, and it had not leaked a drop, in over 50 years.
 
I see the term, "Old Timers said" this & that & thus & that, BLAAAH! "Maybe" the "Old Timer" doesn't know KRAP, & is just passing on old tales/heresay/B.S./misunderstood info/etc, from other "Old Timers" who maybe, didn't know KRAP?? Just being oooold, doesn't necessarily make one smart/intelligent. Bill W.
 
arps corporation said:
My grandfather used White string, like Kite String on his Ford Model A head gasket. In those times, a new head gasket was too expensive, so he used White Kite String to seal the it. He used this on all his old cars/trucks and tractors. In fact, I just took a Hercules IXB3 4 cylinder motor appart from a 1948 Oliver Cletrac Model HG 68, and it still had the White Kite String atop the head gasket, and it had not leaked a drop, in over 50 years.
Click to expand...


Hmm, very interesting, never have heard this method...and can't picture it:). Mabe you could post a visual/drawing... of how granpa installed that string for us who are wondering ?
Wonder if it (string) might have an effect kinda like placing 'fire wire' between the cylindes to seal high comp?
Anyone else know of this? I'll have to talk to my 95 yr old FIL about this.
 
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