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Model B head gasket

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dadsdream
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Model B head gasket

Post by dadsdream » Wed Nov 09, 2016 8:30 am

Wondering if I am better off cleaning up and using the old copper head gasket or replacing with the new steel gasket I have purchased?
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boat_art
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Re: Model B head gasket

Post by boat_art » Wed Nov 09, 2016 5:29 pm

Suggest you never re-use a head gasket. What would be your advantage?
Tom
http://www.boatartgallery.com
1956 CC Connie 47'
1959 Caulkins bartender
1965 Cheoy Lee Frisco Flyer
1953 Chris Craft Holiday
1941 Chris Craft Deluxe
Plus 8-12 customer boats at any time
God don't count the days spent messing around in wood boats.

dadsdream
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Re: Model B head gasket

Post by dadsdream » Wed Nov 09, 2016 5:46 pm

Just didn't know if copper is that much better. I'm a newby at this. I'll use the new gasket. Probably another silly question but would I use gasket cement on the head gasket? Sorry I'm learning as I go.

boat_art
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Re: Model B head gasket

Post by boat_art » Wed Nov 09, 2016 6:13 pm

Dont be sorry! No one was born with this experience!
Head gaskets are made to "crush" when installed and the head is torqued down. (Your steel gasket has copper inserts at the water passages) and once crushed, it will not seal properly.
Good luck my friend!
Tom
http://www.boatartgallery.com
1956 CC Connie 47'
1959 Caulkins bartender
1965 Cheoy Lee Frisco Flyer
1953 Chris Craft Holiday
1941 Chris Craft Deluxe
Plus 8-12 customer boats at any time
God don't count the days spent messing around in wood boats.

dadsdream
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Re: Model B head gasket

Post by dadsdream » Wed Nov 09, 2016 6:24 pm

Ok I'm confused. Should I not use the steel gasket with copper inserts?

boat_art
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Re: Model B head gasket

Post by boat_art » Wed Nov 09, 2016 7:20 pm

Yes, use the new one you have.
Tom
http://www.boatartgallery.com
1956 CC Connie 47'
1959 Caulkins bartender
1965 Cheoy Lee Frisco Flyer
1953 Chris Craft Holiday
1941 Chris Craft Deluxe
Plus 8-12 customer boats at any time
God don't count the days spent messing around in wood boats.

dadsdream
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Joined: Sat Oct 29, 2016 7:35 pm
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Re: Model B head gasket

Post by dadsdream » Wed Nov 09, 2016 7:22 pm

Will do...thank you! Gasket cement on a head gasket or not?

boat_art
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Re: Model B head gasket

Post by boat_art » Wed Nov 09, 2016 7:28 pm

No need. Be sure to re-torque the head studs again after running it a bit.
http://www.boatartgallery.com
1956 CC Connie 47'
1959 Caulkins bartender
1965 Cheoy Lee Frisco Flyer
1953 Chris Craft Holiday
1941 Chris Craft Deluxe
Plus 8-12 customer boats at any time
God don't count the days spent messing around in wood boats.

dadsdream
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Joined: Sat Oct 29, 2016 7:35 pm
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Re: Model B head gasket

Post by dadsdream » Wed Nov 09, 2016 7:42 pm

Got it. Thank you Tom!

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tuobanur
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Re: Model B head gasket

Post by tuobanur » Thu Nov 10, 2016 9:19 am

If you need to use additional sealer with a head gasket you have other problems, no sealer. :wink:
Terry
1941 Model 101 (16') Deluxe Runabout "Miss Dot"

jim g
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Re: Model B head gasket

Post by jim g » Fri Nov 11, 2016 5:10 pm

Head gaskets on flat head engines need a sealer.

You need to use Permatex Copper Coat. Part number 80697. Use the whole can on both sides of the head gasket. Do not spray the block or head like the can says. Apply an even number of coats to each side.

To make the head gasket easier to put on when its tacky with the sealant. Before spraying the sealant on set the gasket on the studs and look to see which studs are preventing it from just dropping down on the block. Take a rubber hammer and lightly hit the stud in the direction it needs to go to center it in the head gasket hole.

If you don't use the sealer you will probably be doing it again in 7 or 8 years.

Also get a rethreading die and tap and chase the threads on the studs and and nuts. The ARP lube is better to use on the threads for torquing then just oil. Also put some lube on the bottom of the nut and the head side of the washer.

Once its all together. You need to run it down the lake to get a good heat cycle on the engine. Run it at speed for 2 or 3 minutes then stop and retorque. Then run it again. Stop and retorque it. Then do it again. By the 3rd or 4th time the torque wrench should just click without turning the nuts.

Also head should be retorqued beginning of each season after running at speed for a few minutes.

If you do all this you will get 20 plus years out of your head gasket.

boat_art
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Re: Model B head gasket

Post by boat_art » Fri Nov 11, 2016 7:31 pm

50 years of doing this I never used sealer on head gaskets. Never had a gasket fail.
But, I see nothing wrong with doing it that way, although it seems to be overkill.
Tom
http://www.boatartgallery.com
1956 CC Connie 47'
1959 Caulkins bartender
1965 Cheoy Lee Frisco Flyer
1953 Chris Craft Holiday
1941 Chris Craft Deluxe
Plus 8-12 customer boats at any time
God don't count the days spent messing around in wood boats.

joanroy
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Re: Model B head gasket

Post by joanroy » Sat Nov 12, 2016 5:45 am

I just recently did a head gasket exactly the way Jim G describes. I used the old fashioned Indian Head sealer on both sides of the gasket instead of the Permatex, but the Permatex Copper Coat is probably a better choice for a head gasket. Just a little extra insurance of getting a good seal around all the water passages. Definitely want to clean up the studs and nuts and do a test fit with the gasket before you goop it. Use the torque sequence recommended for your engine and take up the nuts evenly a little at a time. Never reuse an old head gasket. Have Fun!

jim g
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Re: Model B head gasket

Post by jim g » Sat Nov 12, 2016 7:37 am

The other important part I forgot is

Make sure that you put the head gasket on with the correct side up. Some are stamped with this side up. If your new one is not stamped with it. Look at your old one which is stamped and match the new one to it.

The easiest way to remember is the fire ring crimp goes down.

If you look at the pictures you posted. The old one is on correctly and the new one is bottom side up.

dadsdream
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Re: Model B head gasket

Post by dadsdream » Sat Nov 12, 2016 5:54 pm

Thank you for your insight everyone!

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