copper head gasket sealant ! ! ! ???

[The yob]

help!

i seem to have a very small leak from the front of my engine where the head mates the block (blown alky sbc)i use ICS Titan head gaskets - Im not 100% sure where the leak is from - maybe from one of the head studs and oil leaking from the top of the head down the stud and out through the front ? my question is does anyone use any form of sealant on there copper head gaskets?

thanks for your time

Mat

[paulguv]

Mat have you re-torqued the heads since initial fire up?
What thickness are the gaskets? Are you using o-rings & receiver grooves?

Paul

[The yob]

Hi Paul

Thanks for the reply

The heads are o ringed but i used the ICS Titan head gaskets as they advise it isnt needed as these head gaskets have a "o ring" built into them ! !

http://goodvibesracing.com/ics_copper_gaskets.htm

The thickness ive used is .062

Ive retqd the heads after 1st fireup to 70 ft lbs (the heads are ally dart 227cc)

Do you think its time to use the o ring wire as well! ! ?

Many thanks

Mat

[paulguv]

That all looks good, I wouldn't use a standard o-ring with that gasket & I dont think thats your issue.
Are the head studs the right length & fully into the block?
If not the nuts may bottom out giving you a false reading, if it looks likley use a thicker washer or two.
Does the leak increase with oil pressure? or as it gets hot?
Are the heads new? did you check they were flat?
Do you run any water? if not don't fully seal up the air space, leave a bung out if the inlet, as that space will pressurise & oily steam could force itself out from the head studs.

Paul

[The yob]

the block is block filled so no water - the leak seems to get worse when it warms up and you rev it ! )more oil pressure) the are only 2 oil drain back holes in the heads (and they are under no pressure)one think i didnt do is use any sealant on the studs! maybe this could be it? this ones really stumped me ! !

cheers

mat

[The yob]

sorry forgot to say the heads have done 3 passes - i bought them off a very nice chap who had them checked over for me - i think im gonna have to take them off and see what can be found all good fun!

[BennettRacing]

-Throw away those head gaskets
-Buy some Cooper ones (available in .063)
-Buy some Cooper head gasket spray, get it from USA (better seal) (From Gasket Works)
-Clean them, the block and heads thoroughly with brake cleaner
-Give the gaskets a few coats of the spray and leave hanging over night
-Just before you fit them, give another light coat
-Fit heads and do up finger tight, leave overnight and torque the next day
-Fit your motor up and the first time you run it, do not rev it gun ho, just let it warm up to temp and turn it off
-Re torque head

Obvious stuff to check is block and heads are ok, but I suspect its the use of those head gaskets.

[fester426]

Most commonly overlooked problem are the locating dowels,if they are too tall the head wont sit down properly....bill