Technical > Matt Shaff's Engine Shop

Lets talk head gaskets

(1/3) > >>

FEDNV:
So as I posted before my motor blew out the felpro 1057 gaskets I have been using without issue for years up till now.  It seems like the severe tire shake the car had could of contributed to the issue.  So my question is for a NA alcohol motor with pretty high compression (15:1) what is everyone using?  Of course I am looking at the mls style, specifically the Cometic brand, as well as possible copper choices like the SCE ICS series with the built in ring that does not need the block or heads cut.  I have read both good and bad on the ICS but mostly bad from blown or turbo charged motors and not NA.  My machinist is really concerned as we will probably be boring it out to 4.600 and the amount of material between the cylinders is getting pretty thin.  I do have an older Merlin II block that does not have the extra bosses for the extra head bolts in the lifter valley area.

Any experience and input is appreciated.

ricardo1967:
Great topic, subscribed (I wished we could).

I had SCE copper gasket - standard type, not ICS -in my SBC 400. I'm a believer that the copper gasket does have benefits in our applications. But does anyone have a magic trick to make them liquid leak-free? (in all fairness, my block deck doess have some cracks common in the 400's). I got tired and put a Fel-Pro PN 1010 in it, so far so good. I had copper o'rings on the block, which I shaved when I ditched the SCE gaskets. I didn't know the ICS didn't require o'rings... it's probably OK for moderate HP, but I can't think how it would seal big HP.

If my decks had smoother finish I'd try a MLS gasket (Fel-Pro or Cometic). Any preference between the two?

dusterdave173:
Copper leaks water ....best way I have found is spray couple coats of Hylomar spray  expensive like $60 a can expensive but it works --In normal drag cars a very low pressure radiator cap helps not sure how that works in dragster--MLS gaskets only work if surface is prepped with correct RA which is smooth compared to the old surface left by Storm Vulcan type surfacers--most shops these days have good modern surfacers that will produce correct RA finish--MLS on rough surface leaks worse than copper
I avoid copper unless it is blown application   MLS is the trick if surface is right
or...smear RTV around each water hole and rock on! Repeat as needed  :)

masracingtd1167:
I have been using the Fel Pro mls gaskets on my small block with no issues . My son also uses the mls gaskets on his big block that is a 4.600  bore . He has sprayed it with a 500 shot of nitrous and has had no issues at all . I also don't think that tire shake can cause a head gasket failure . With an injected alcohol motor you need to be careful with that much compression that your dynamic compression is not too high ! A cam with an intake that closes too early can cause problems like you are having . Talk to your cam guy about it .Bill 

dusterdave173:

--- Quote from: masracingtd1167 on May 14, 2015, 11:36:31 AM ---I have been using the Fel Pro mls gaskets on my small block with no issues . My son also uses the mls gaskets on his big block that is a 4.600  bore . He has sprayed it with a 500 shot of nitrous and has had no issues at all . I also don't think that tire shake can cause a head gasket failure . With an injected alcohol motor you need to be careful with that much compression that your dynamic compression is not too high ! A cam with an intake that closes too early can cause problems like you are having . Talk to your cam guy about it .Bill

--- End quote ---

I agree   I have had tire shake almost knock the fillings out of my teeth so I know  it can do odd things but...
Hope you get it fixed and get back racing! Good Luck!

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page