quick head gasket replacement question

[blackturbona]

Im doing my first headgasket job and ive been reading up all that, i just have a quick question, do you put any sort of gasket maker/sealer on the head gasket? or just a bit on the corners? or nothign at all? i did a quick search and didnt see anything about it, but i gotta head off to work right now, any tips or advice would be much appreciated! thanks

 

[jdub]

Using spray copper sealer on a OEM composite HG is fine, I do it to help fill in block/head imperfections. On a new MHG with the factory Viton coating you do not want to use the sealer...it damages the Viton.

The are 2 places on top of the rear timing cover the TSRM calls for RTV sealant. This is to seal against an oil leak...you do need the RTV in these locations.

 

[RiyadYar]

jdub i know with studs it holds the headgasket in place but how do people with bolts make sure their headgasket covers the entire cylinder and not a little off?

 

[jdub]

There are 2 index pins that are placed in the block, front & rear...you line up the holes in the HG with the pins...same for the head

This does bring up a good point if the OP decides to use the copper spray on an OEM HG: I use 2 coats and wait till tacky. You very carefully place the HG on the block using the index pins for alignment. Same for the head and the RTV on the rear timing cover has to be applied 1st...you get one chance to do this right with sealer on the HG.