is it ok to use copper spray for the head bolt's and if the bolts are tq to much will backing them of to 60ft lbs harm the gasket

 

You need to use a non hardening liquid sealer like Loktite PST teflon sealer.

You definatly don't want to over torque the head gaskets and then just back them off to 60 lbs, if anything I would just back all the bolts off and re-start the torque procedure, making sure to stop at 65 lbs.

Personally I wouldn't re- use them, head gaskets aren't that expensive and its cheap insurance.

 

You can't re-use head gaskets. They are malleable and will deform according to their previous install. You can't back them off to 60ft lbs from higher... they have already been crushed to the higher value.

There are lots of non-hardening thread sealers available... you must use one... copper spray won't work

 

use gaskacinch on the threads get a can then dip the threads on the bolts right into the can-what did you torque them down to? overtorquing then backing off wont harm the gasket but will harm the seal between the gasket and head and between the gasket and block.mark an alignment mark on each bolt prior to backing them out. when you have loosened each bolt on the head(use the torque down sequence-but exactly backwards)re-tighten in sequence to whatever-65 ft.lbs for small chev. take it down in 3 steps 25 then 40 then 65 and if the bolts turn past the marks made way back at step one -even a 20th of a turn-your sealing properties are going to remain perfect-if the bolts dont turn past the marks when re-torquing to the new spec. then you are hating it and have to do the deal again with new gaskets.hope it works out

 

i'd replace the head gaskets if you do back off the bolts. for a sealer nothing beats liquid teflon pipe thread sealer.

 

ok thanks guys i guess im going to buy a new gasket set and start over.