Gasket sealer on a metal headgasket...do I?
 

The Helms manual I have says to use a gasket sealer on a metal head gasket. I'm going to be using the GM 0.028" metal head gasket, should I use any sealer, possibly blue RTV or Indian head Gasket shellac?

Re: Gasket sealer on a metal headgasket...do I?
 

Does it give a GM part number for the sealer? If so, use that.

Re: Gasket sealer on a metal headgasket...do I?
 

No

Re: Gasket sealer on a metal headgasket...do I?
 

I have a service manual in the garage I can look at and see if they specify one somewhere if you'd like, probably tomorrow as I'm heading off for the night.

Re: Gasket sealer on a metal headgasket...do I?
 

That sounds great, thank you

Re: Gasket sealer on a metal headgasket...do I?
 

hey hey mikeyt know of any chill cruise nights in the Norfolk/Virginia beach area?

Re: Gasket sealer on a metal headgasket...do I?
 

WHATEVER the best thing is, it is NOT Indian Head shellac.

.028" should be a composition gasket.

Metal (steel shim) gaskets are usually more like about .016" thick, and are basically guaranteed to leak. See all the comments about Indian Head shellac to get a feel for why: they are simply OBSOLETE. Can be fine for a pure race-only car, where "longevity" isn't an issue; pretty much CERTAIN to fail in a street car, especially without very careful prep. Usual treatment for them in such circumstances is spray copper stuff.

Re: Gasket sealer on a metal headgasket...do I?
 

I use MLS gaskets in my engine. I just spray them with copper coat.

Re: Gasket sealer on a metal headgasket...do I?
 

This is what I have for my 1991 Firebird service manual for V8 Engines.

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.thi...99118417b4.jpg

Re: Gasket sealer on a metal headgasket...do I?
 

:yup:

Before the spray Copper Coat was available, we used aluminum paint.

Re: Gasket sealer on a metal headgasket...do I?
 

I watched my father do this back in the day.

Re: Gasket sealer on a metal headgasket...do I?
 

I went with metal .015's and copper spray coated them - just as insurance .

Re: Gasket sealer on a metal headgasket...do I?
 

From all that you guys have showed me, the Indian head will not be used. I just read the same thing you posted in the manual...that's too funny