Head Gasket Question

[mchalem89]

I'm changing the head gasket on my 80 spider and I was wonder if you guys use any copper coat on the gasket and any loctite on the threads? I'm pretty new to this and I want to make sure I do this right.

[124JOE]

its best to install head gasket and bolts clean and at tourque .but the last guy used silicone on the bolts

[narfire]

Both surfaces clean, dry,and flat. Nothing on the head gasket. Good idea to chase the head bolt holes with correct size tap.Put a drop of oil into each bolt hole. Tighten to the pattern and torque over two passes. Drive for about 100 kms or so and re-torque.
This was explained to me when assembling my engine years ago and has worked just fine for the several times I've repeated the process.
Chris

[mchalem89]

Thanks for the great info. I reused my bolts and snapped the last one off in the block and It was a real nightmare to remove. I'm assuming it was from fatigue because the threads were clean and i was able to hand turn another bolt all the way in. I even torqued it in 4 steps. I ordered all new bolts and a new head gasket from IAP so i should be good to go this weekend. With oil on the head bolts you never had a problem with coolant leaking on top of the head?

[BEEK]

if you are using a "print o seal" gasket, a gasket where there are silicone tracings around water passages, dry only. if you are using a graphite head gasket, i would use copper coat. i would also use a very small amount of light machine oil on the threads. dry threads in dry holes mean trouble.