Copper Head Gaskets

[msundstrom]

Is there a copper head gasket that is better than the rest. I don't need the ability to seal water passages because I run my BBC dry.
Thanks
Mark

[GlennLever]

Is there a copper head gasket that is better than the rest. I don't need the ability to seal water passages because I run my BBC dry.
Thanks
Mark

I use SCE solid copper head gaskets http://scegaskets.com/



I do run water, the gaskets come with silk screened silicone  around the water jacket openings but it is not enough. I add a smear of red silicone and they have been running that way all season with water.

I have had problems with water and next season may be waterless

See this link for the reinstall after a leak.
http://www.leverfamilysite.com/2010_Front_Engine_Dragster_Week_2013_04_13.htm

[Frontenginedragsters]

We use SCE gaskets when ever we can. Good quality and nice people to work with.
They can be purchesed from any of the mail order places also.

[ricardo1967]

Do you guys use the K&W Copper Coat (http://crcindustries.com/auto/?s=401612)?

I used SCE gasket, dressed with K&W Copper Coat, on an alky o'ringed SBC 400.

Two results:
a) It leaked coolant AND (drained) oil.
b) The K&W Copper Coat sealer had so much adhesion that the gasket was pretty much destroyed after taking the heads apart.

Corrective action: I shaved the copper o'rings and opted for the Fel-Pro composite gasket: No issues so far. I'd prefer the MLS gasket, but the deck finish is rougher than desired for MLS.

[wideopen231]

If it has blower it needs copper gasket with oringed heads and reciever groove in block.JMO after 10 years running blown alky motors in TA/FC and TA/D. water is just a head ache thats not needed.

[dreracecar]

I also run SCE non-water gaskets on my SBC but I circulate water only thru the heads, Plugged the holes in the heads, O-ringed the heads, receivers in the block, Copper coat, silicone the corners. The other thing I do is when I go thru my engine (3 year intrevals) I always use a new set. The time it takes to clean the old ones, and to re-aneal, clean again is not worth it when you consider how long it takes to put the engine together (17 HS per side) and have a sealing issue. Big Show Racers do it because the motors come apart every round and they can afford it. Makes you wonder when they torch a head gasket out on a run if that would happened if that was a brand new head gasket??

[wideopen231]

Big show cars torch gasket because they are trying to push head off block.It may be detonation or hydraulicing. New gasket would just mean you burn new money instead of old.

[dreracecar]

True, but I have seen some awfully skechy things that go on with some of the independent teams. Its getting to the point with the big teams is the ONE RUN AND DONE policy

[LZ]

FWIW. I was lurking a conversation awhile ago (message board) and Randy Bradford says this is what they use around the water and oil holes on there Gaskets.
http://www.hylomarsealant.com/index.html

Just saying
Luke

[GlennLever]

Would this work for me?

[dreracecar]

Hylomar is a good product and does not have the acid etching tendencys as some silicone rtv and it removes easily

[Paladin AA/FA]

Clark Copper Gaskets work well also.