308 Head Gasket

[Deleted User]
[Deleted User]
edited November -1 in HUDSON
Regarding the head gasket for a '52 308. I have purchased it from Dale Cooper. Now I am looking for the definitive instruction for installation. Specifically what if anything do I do to the gasket before installation. I have heard of a variety of treatments to doing nothing. What is the consensus?

Comments

  • dwardo99
    dwardo99 Expert Adviser
    For what it's worth, I use Copper-Coat. I always use Gr 8 allen-head cap screws and hardened washers, which are available at good stores like Graingers. Knock on wood but no head gasket problems here, not even a small cooland leak.
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    delete... double post doh!
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    dwardo99 wrote:
    For what it's worth, I use Copper-Coat. I always use Gr 8 allen-head cap screws and hardened washers, which are available at good stores like Graingers. Knock on wood but no head gasket problems here, not even a small cooland leak.



    spray on copper coat is what me and hudsondad have used for years. Make sure the bolts are clean or new, make sure the threads for the block are chased and clean, make sure all surfaces are clean and flat. go to town.



    However... a search of the forum will provide many spirited discussions about what method works the best, from copper coat, to aluminum paint, to even using Amror All (Bill Albright's method) I personally don't know how each of these other methods work, but I am sure the other camps might chime in.



    I would like to try Bill's armor all method, I mean come on he probably has done more head gaskets than I have done oil changes, but I guess I have some skepticism, not so much on Bill's testimonial, but more so that it sounds real far out there. I might try it just because you almost have to trust what that guy in sunny CA says sometimes... I would feel better if he personally guaranteed it would work, or would send me a new head gasket, but that's likely not going to happen. Oh well, I can dream.... :D



    http://www.classiccar.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4450&highlight=head+gasket

    http://www.classiccar.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2958&highlight=head+gasket
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    I think on previous discussions the aluminum spray paint had the edge, But I always use the spray copper and never had a problem. Most guys will continue to use what has given them good results. I'm sure if you clean everthing up, the head is flat, bolts clean or new, and the threads chased, you can choose which method makes the most sense to you.
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    I'd recommend Copper Coat too, there's original K&W Name Brand copper coat and Permatex makes a Copper Spray-A-Gasket. Both work but I recommend the K&W as it is thicker and stickier. I use it on cork gaskets and it makes them reuseable. I've had the oil pan off my '29 5 times with the same cork gaskets with copper-coat on them and it has never leaked. I have an aversion to silicone and only use it when necessary.
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    Which head gasket did you buy? If it is the modern very dark gray or black, it comes with a coating on it already. I've used a couple of these with good results. DON'T PUT ANYTHING ON THESE MODERN GASKETS.



    Dany



    Hudsons get pleasure from KGAP rubbers
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    I had to remove one of the new style gaskets, believe it was one of the Best brand with the dark/graphite finish. It only 2 hours run time on it, bad hydralic lifters, with all bolts out it took two of us with 3 foot prybars to get head to seperate from block. It was stuck hard, another hour to scrape surfaces clean. No sealer was needed or used period. Lou Cote
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    This is a good point, my suggestion of Copper Coat above is for old-style solid copper head gaskets. I have used it on modern composition gaskets but it is probably unnecessary.
  • PAULARGETYPE
    PAULARGETYPE Senior Contributor
    :) I Must Add Just One Thing If You Haven't Replaced The Head Bolts By All Means Do So The Grade 8 Bolts We Have To Day Are Far Superior To What Hudson Had 50+ Years Ago If You Need Them I Can Get Them There $20 For 21 7/16 X 3 Bolts And 21 Heavy Flat Washers The Same Price For The 1/2 X 3 With Washers For The 55/56 Engines Contact At 412-462-2058 :)
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    Please take note to Danny Spring and Paul!!!! If the gasket is a new design (not medal on both sides) do not coat with anything!!!! Also Dale Cooper has new head bolts for both 7/16 and 1/2 inch sizes - call him.
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