Copper Spray on Headgasket - Yay or Nay
#1
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Copper Spray on Headgasket - Yay or Nay
Looking for thoughts on using copper spray when installing a new OEM head gasket...
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Related to this thread.
https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/ev...ad-gasket.html
#5
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Don't do it! Clean both surfaces, install headstuds (wait a bit then re-tighten them, get the fluid out from underneath them!), install gasket, head, and torque to spec. I have done a HG twice on my car, first time I used copper spray. Here's the problem (I think it may have been TTP that pointed this out to me): when I took the head off the second time, about 6-months later, most of the copper was gone. Where did it go? Into my coolant and oil, that's where.
Also, think twice about re-using arp head studs. I re-did mine because I had lifted the head the first time and one of the bolts stretched. Everyone says to re-use arps but turns out everyone is wrong, you should not under these circumstances. I ended up doing AMS/TMS L19's to eliminate this as a potential issue. I know this second part is OT but I feel its valuable info I've learned.
Also, think twice about re-using arp head studs. I re-did mine because I had lifted the head the first time and one of the bolts stretched. Everyone says to re-use arps but turns out everyone is wrong, you should not under these circumstances. I ended up doing AMS/TMS L19's to eliminate this as a potential issue. I know this second part is OT but I feel its valuable info I've learned.
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#10
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I'll be doing a HG and studs in the next week or two when I put my ported head on. I will be going without copper. But I am lapping the head surface.
Since it was mentioned, I've always considered ARPs to be a 1 time use item. I also over torque them though as other wise, they offer very little benefits over the stock hardware. That's my motivation for replacing them. L19s on the other hand you can get tight enough without stretching them past 75% of the way to yield.
Since it was mentioned, I've always considered ARPs to be a 1 time use item. I also over torque them though as other wise, they offer very little benefits over the stock hardware. That's my motivation for replacing them. L19s on the other hand you can get tight enough without stretching them past 75% of the way to yield.
#12
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Copper spray a gasket is not designed to stay in place while coolant and oil flows through it at high temperature. It WILL ALWAYS come loose and end up in other places in your coolant and oiling systems.
We have learned from experience and will never again use copper spray. At best it is a band aid for heads that are not flat and should be decked in the first place for proper seal.
We have learned from experience and will never again use copper spray. At best it is a band aid for heads that are not flat and should be decked in the first place for proper seal.
#14
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Copper spray a gasket is not designed to stay in place while coolant and oil flows through it at high temperature. It WILL ALWAYS come loose and end up in other places in your coolant and oiling systems.
We have learned from experience and will never again use copper spray. At best it is a band aid for heads that are not flat and should be decked in the first place for proper seal.
We have learned from experience and will never again use copper spray. At best it is a band aid for heads that are not flat and should be decked in the first place for proper seal.
And the company I would purchase from - said it was quite fine.