Head gaskets, Copper or composite ?

Rascal

Rascal

Member
Hi all , Whats the general opinion regarding head gaskets to use, copper or modern grey- Composite ?
I do notice the composite types are very hard to remove after use, so
I would prefer the copper type, but am I on the right track here?
Furthermore , are there any tips - tricks on & when using the copper types to get the best seal, especially around the waterways ?
 
If the head face and block face are good, I always (when there's a choice) use copper.
The copper ones can be reused if your carefull, cleaning off the bits of composite gasket around 48 studs will get very old very quickly.
To add I use copper wether the heads are iron or aluminium, never had any bother. I believe OlRon does the same. But he also uses bolts to replace studs.
I torque to 45lb ally, and 50lb iron.
Martin.
 
I use copper and Hi tack torque to 45 ft for 3 heat cycles on all engines and cylinder heads.
 
iuse copper for the reason scooder stated, with composition gaskets you are garunteed to have at least 4 busted knuckles before the gasket scrapes are removed a couple of hours later, even getting those gaskets off from a later model flathead is a pain, the copper is the only gasket to use, but the block and heads have to be flat for them to hold properly
 
scooder said:
If the head face and block face are good, I always (when there's a choice) use copper.
The copper ones can be reused if your carefull, cleaning off the bits of composite gasket around 48 studs will get very old very quickly.
To add I use copper wether the heads are iron or aluminium, never had any bother. I believe OlRon does the same. But he also uses bolts to replace studs.
I torque to 45lb ally, and 50lb iron.
Martin.
Click to expand...

Thanks Martin & all others, I know what you mean on getting old fast. ive run out of Busted Knuckles , will stick with the copper & use "copper Coat " spray sealer also to be sure.
 
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