Mark,
Mark, thanks again for your comments.
At this point, I'm really skeptical about re-using the copper gasket I first
tried, (even though there are less than 3hrs running time on it). The felpro
set
I ordered ($64) is supposed to be in today. I also thought I'd take this
'opportunity' to make some of the mods, that I had asked about in earlier
postings (adding PVC, and vac advance) to my intake manifold and dellorto while
I had them off.
In any case, it doesn't look like there was any harm done, except for getting
oil all over my nice clean engine compartment.
Thanks again.
- Bryan
>To: "'Bryan Vandiver'" <Bryan.Vandiver@eng.sun.com>
>Cc: "'spridgets@autox.team.net'" <spridgets@autox.team.net>
>Subject: RE: (follow up) Blown Head Gasket
>
>Brian- The copper doesn't act as a gasket by itself, since it won't deform
>under the slight (relatively) pressure applied by the Head Bolts, it acts
>more as a shim and thermal conductor than anything else. The 'thick coat' of
>Copper Coat should, even with 3 coats, be no more than about .005" thick (if
>properly applied). The use of copper coat itself, which contains copper as a
>primary ingredient (hence the name) maintains the thermal transmission
>capacity of the copper head gasket. Even with a Fel-Pro gasket, I, myself,
>would still apply 3 coats of Copper Coat. Just my .02
>Mark Haynes
>'62 HAN6
>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Bryan Vandiver [SMTP:Bryan.Vandiver@Eng.Sun.COM]
>> Sent: Thursday, August 19, 1999 11:29 AM
>> To: spridgets@autox.team.net
>> Subject: (follow up) Blown Head Gasket
>>
>> Thanks everyone for all the great feedback!
>>
>> I pulled the head last night, and here's what I found...
>>
>> The gasket didn't really 'blow'. The copper gasket itself appeared to be
>> in OK
>> condition, however it was clear that it failed to seal almost
>> everywhere!(gives
>> a new meaning to the term 'top-oiling' the pistons). It was very clear,
>> because
>> of 'staining on the gasket, that coolant, and oil was not being sealed at
>> all.
>> Pistons 2&3 also appeared to be sharing compression. I'm really surprised
>> my
>> engine was running as well as it was, since I just thought it ran a little
>>
>> rougher than it should!
>> In any case, I pick up the felpro gasket I have on order today. I will
>> also
>> check the head and top of the engine again with a straight edge to see if
>> they
>> should be resurfaced, but if there was a problem there, I would have
>> expected a
>> leak in a specific area.
>> As far as the 'copper gasket' (made in England) goes... the over whelming
>> advice
>> is to make sure it has about three coats of copper spray gasket sealer on
>> it
>> before using. This to me goes against all logic of what a a copper gasket
>> is all
>> about.
>>
>> a) if a head 'gasket' doesn't seal without putting a thick coat of gasket
>> sealing material on it, then, that should have been specified when I
>> bought it.
>>
>> b) the whole reason for using a 'copper' gasket, is to promote a more even
>>
>> cooling of the head, but in order for this to work, you need 'direct'
>> metal to
>> metal contact between the copper, and head/engine.
>>
>> But since you have to do 'a' to make the gasket work, then 'b' is no
>> longer
>> valid - so what's the point???
>>
>> In any case, thanks everyone, and if all goes well, I'll have the bugeye
>> back on
>> the road by Saturday :-
>>
>> BTW - For the Felpro gasket, should both the head and engine, be complete
>> clean
>> and dry before installing, or is a light coat of oil OK???
>>
>> - Regards,
>> Bryan Vandiver (59-bugeye)
>> San Jose, CA
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