Head gasket for 134L

[weldontsharr]

Ready to install head with new copper gasket. Should I use gasket sealer or just install head with gasket only? Thanks for any advice.

[artificer]

What are the gasket maker's recommendations? We used to spray with a product called silver frost. I have no connection with, know of these guys but you might choose to read &/or contact.
http://www.headgasket.com/gaskets.html

[weldontsharr]

Thank you artificer, will check. Old gasket did not appear to have had any treatment. The "new copper gasket" came from Midwest Military.

[weldontsharr]

I believe I will not use any gasket treatment on the head gasket.

[Wolfman]

I would call Midwest.
Copper is soft and yielding but still might not seal a scratch and you might end up with a coolant leak.
Some of the new gasket do not use sealer but are pre coated.
I would think bare metal should have something on it, although I am not familiar with the gasket you are referring to.
I like Coppercoat by 3M.
Back in the dark ages, I used aluminum paint. I am thinking that was similar to what John G. is referring to.
Make the call. You will sleep better.

[Joe Gopan]

I have used Permatex Copper Spray for 25 years without problems-follow the instructions. Prior to that we used to use Permatex #3 brushed or rolled on.. Not all installations may require sealer, but it does no harm and adds a layer of protection.

[artificer]

Not all installations may require sealer, but it does no harm and adds a layer of protection.

Depending on gasket type [not is all as it was, in the dark ages] & manufacturer's instructions, that is not always the case.
In fact using sealer can be detrimental with many modern type head gaskets.
Some of these modern type head gaskets are commonly supplied in either L/F134 gasket sets or individually from parts vendors.
http://www.engineaustralia.com.au/sites ... /SB043.pdf

[Joe Gopan]

Original WWII, thru Korean War era head gaskets still surface as well as the Willys factory Victor head gaskets.
Think back 50-60 years ago to a time when there were tens of thousands of Jeeps in use in the Army and the same for CJ's. There were thousands of repair shops ranging from the neighborhood garage to authorized Jeep Dealers, same goes to the army from 2nd Echelon Shops that requested permission tho change the head gasket to the ordnance support units. Throw in the back yard mechanic and gas station and you have the big picture. There were many time tested choices of sealing 40's style head gaskets, one method was to smear grease over the asbestos portion, I never subscribed to that.
Prior to the Permatex Copper Spray, mechanics brushed on Permatex #3 and Permatex "High Tack" (red colored stuff) Many old time mechanics who started out in the 1920's did not use torque wrenches and got by OK. Fel Pro has their own head gasket sealer in the 80's. Note the head gasket instructions in the Willys Service manual for the Universal Jeep, there was no mention of head gasket sealer and the illustrations appeared to feature the all metal Victors.
It depends on the type gasket, condition of the head gasket surface of the block and head, the experience and skill of the mechanic.
I sold one municipal public works dept a new Jeep engine after selling them several gaskets. When questioned about how they were installing the gaskets,the public works foreman responded that he had been fixing the public works trucks for 30 years and ought to know how to change a head gasket. The exchange engine he sent had blue silicone as a head gasket sealer. All the engine needed was the head planed and a fresh gasket.

[Wolfman]

Deja Vue !
I had totally forgot about smearing grease on a head gasket. I remember some "Old Time Mechanics" I hung around with, when growing up, that did it. ( The dark ages ). As I recall, they were from eastern Tennessee. "Hurry up and get that head back on Bubba, fore the revenuers show up ! "
I also was never sold on the idea.
Back to these new copper head gaskets being referred to. Are they solid copper or soft centered, metal clad like the old style gasket ??
They sound like race car stuff and most likely expensive.
Any opinions on how well they work and are they worth it ??
If they are solid, I would think they are not very forgiving. The head and deck would have to be in really good condition and flat.

[weldontsharr]

Thanks all for the info. Will call Midwest military. A pone further inspection, gasket is soft copper, does not appear to be solid, and even though it is still in the wrapping, I have found a couple of "small" imperfections. Will check into purchasing some permatex copper spray after talking to MWM.

[weldontsharr]

Follow up-- used copper gasket spray both sides- worked well- have not started engine yet, that will be the test.

[Joe Gopan]

Be sure to use Permatex #2 or Permatex #3 on the bolt threads, and retorque after initial warm up.

[weldontsharr]

Thanks Ben, used permatex #2 torqued head bolts to 65# and will retoque after I warm her up. Starting on body now.