head gasket install

[miletwo]

I bought a new gasket yesterday and had a can of copper in my hand... the guy behind the counter tells me "you shouldn't use that stuff with this kind of gasket." He said the gasket already is impregnated with silicon and extra silicon will just cause ridges that will lead to leaks.

Anyone? Does this sound right and should I just install and torque? Or should I spray with copper and then isntall?

Thanks,

J

 

[IDave]

Well, if you got an OEM gasket, like you should have, you don't put anything else in there.

 

[TexomaFJ40]

Use copper everytime.... 20 years of race engines cannot be wrong. Besides, there will be no extra silicone because your engine with melt off the excess. Copper provides the best seal, period.

Go with your gut

 

[miletwo]

Maybe this should have been a poll. So far I have 1 yes and 1 no.

CRAP!

 

[IDave]

I just looked up the instuctions in Mr. Toyoda's Land Cruiser Engine Manual. He says "no," too.

 

[airon23]

I vote no. I've heard the same about the extra sealing stuff.

 

[Robert LaDuke]

Here's another "No" vote. Although , that is with the OEM gasket. Don't know about aftermarket.

 

[theo]

I don't use anything. Both surfaces must be absolutely clean, flat, and smooth. Follow the torque sequence, sneak up on the final value in 3 or 4 steps. I've only installed 6 or 7 heads but haven't had problems.

 

[miletwo]

It's on. No extra goop added. Torqued starting at 60 and sneaking up on 98 in 5 passes with the circle pattern.

Here's hoping it holds. Any input on how to get the water out of my oil? I was planning on weekly oil changes until it looks clear (non-cloudy) again. My pop told me there is some additive that makes the water clump together and settle in the pan. Anyone know of this?

Also, I used the crank handle for the first time. FREAKIN AWESOME! I told my pop "hey... guess what this is..." and he starts to say "jack han----" then says... "nooo.... you're kidding me!" We were both so jazzed at how easy it was to get the beast cranked around to TDC with it. Made life easier. Also helped get the dizzy on straight. Seems one of the POs installed it 180* off cuz it weren't pointin nowhere near where it should at TDC so I pulled it and followed the isntructions for setting it back in straight. Haven't had a chance to see if it works yet cuz it's not all back together.

Thanks all for your input.

Jeremy

 

[IDave]

It took 4 changes for me to get most of the water out of my oil when I had a blown gasket. The rest of it went out via the PCV system. The water will tend to settle to the bottom of your oil pan, since the oil floats on top of it. Get the worst of it out, and it will take care of itself.

 

[theo]

I just went through this on a friend's 4runner last weekend. Dave is right; most of the water will settle to the bottom of the pan. I got some antifreeze when I first drained the oil, then quite a bit more when I opened the drain about a week later. If yours has been sitting for awhile you should get most of it by draining it.

When I was ready to fire mine up I put in fresh oil and ran it for about 5 minutes, then drained and refilled it. The oil that came out was a little milky. I ran the engine for just 2 or 3 minutes on fresh oil and drained it again. This time I collected a few ounces in a clear plastic cup and let it settle for an hour. There was no visible sign of water. So I refilled again, drove it for about 20 minutes, and parked it overnight. The next day I collected the first few ounces out the drain plug and inspected it carefully - no oil so it's all good. What little remains should evaporate out. I will change the oil once more after 50 miles or so. Hope yours will act the same!

 

[bad_religion_au]

how do you get the crank handle in there? tried cranking my 2f the other day, but couldn't get a line on the pulley, there seems to be a xmember and radiator in the way

 

[IDave]

Not sure about the 2F setup, myself, but on an F, the crank handle goes just to the right of the bib hinge and beneath the radiator. PTO (or other) winch gets in the way.

 

[miletwo]

Same here. There is a notched hole just beneath the radiator. Takes some feel and peek over the top to guide it in straight... but you can get it in. Be sure to use protection.

I finally got mine buttoned up last night, ran it and retorqued several times. I actually drove it to work today and got it titled/registered/licensed at AAA this morning. I'm LEGAL! YAY!

 

[IDave]

but you can get it in. Be sure to use protection.

Yes, I have found that a condom on the end keeps it from slipping out!