Macadoo

Getting ready to bolt the heads back on and ordered the shim gaskets from Smitty in Ohio. Smitty recommends using them dry with the normal torquing routine. Eric (MDchanic) and coppercutlass suggest using the permatex copper spray-a-gasket.
What say you folks?

Sugar Bear

Not trying to contradict advice from the seller, their experience may be far greater than mine, just offering my opinion.

Unless the manufacturer of the gasket says to install the gaskets dry I would definitely use a copper spray gasket adhesive/sealant. IIRC in your case the block was not resurfaced leaving nothing but metal against metal to seal a surface (the block) that may not be perfectly flat, this is not good under high pressures and many thermal cycles. I might use copper spray on steel gaskets even if the manufacturer said to install them dry, it is ideal for the task and have had success with the sealant.

Do you have the gaskets yet? Are they bare steel without any sealant around the passages and cylinders?

olds 307 and 403

Since your deck is unmilled, I would. It should do no harm and gives that extra protection for sealing.

Kennybill

I'll get flack from this but I spray all my head gaskets with copper. Jmo, Ken

Macadoo

True, the block has not been milled. And as such, I'm also inclined to use the sealer. I don't have the gaskets yet but my understanding is that they will have no sealant.

jag1886

Always used to use copper spray on stock steel gaskets.

oldstata

I have used copper spray with the fel pro gaskets once with and once with out didn't make a difference either way

yankees

Oldsdata I just need to comment on your signature pic. I'm 44 and I still don't get to use the hose on my cars. My 4 year tells me to use the soap and sponge while he gets to squirt. Life never changes. My father made me do the dirty work

oldstata

Thanks! they help often I have six total and about half love to help

As I reread through the thread I think its a toss up from who you bought the gaskets from maybe ask him again and explain that you didn't deck the block.

Macadoo

Damn tata! Six? As in kids? You got my respect brother. I'll give Smitty another call once I receive the shims.

oldstata

Yes mac, 6 kids 2 dogs 3 ex's well only two to deal with my currant wife adopted two of our kids from the ex 1 major project the mistress (Betty )

Lol

rcrac3r

We have 6 all together as well (2 almalgomated families). 2 dogs, 3 cats, 2 ex's (1 for each of us). And "my current wife" loves our 72' mistress as much as I do.