Head Gasket Installation

[roanokeSpider]

I've replaced head gaskets and have had them mix oil and coolant because of my improper installation. I read the haynes manual and it says to coat it in grease but i would like to know what some of you recommend for my 76 spider.

[So Cal Mark]

it depends on what gasket you are using. Haynes is quoting old technology. Most gaskets today have some type of coating so you should follow mfrs recommendations.
Usually a leaking gasket is due to the fault of the installer. Run a tap through all of the bolt holes, clean the bolt threads, make sure the top of the block is clean and flat, make sure the surface of the head is clean and flat. If you don't have a machinists' straight edge, take it to a machine shop and have it checked. Unless you like doing it over and over

[roanokeSpider]

I have an athena brand head gasket. The Head has been taken down 4thousands so its flat and the block seems to be very flat aswell. Just wanted to know if i should use grease or some other means to help it create a good seal. Thanks for the quick reply

[BurbankJalopy]

I just used one of those Athena gasket sets myself. There weren't any instructions but it worked out well. I used copper spray and it sure seems like there is no way it could leak now. FYI my gasket set had the wrong type of oil pump gasket included...just beware if you plan to tackle the oil pan gasket as you'll end up without an oil pump gasket when you take out the oil pump to get at the oil pan gasket.

[Tersta]

it depends on what gasket you are using. Haynes is quoting old technology. Most gaskets today have some type of coating so you should follow mfrs recommendations.
Usually a leaking gasket is due to the fault of the installer. Run a tap through all of the bolt holes, clean the bolt threads, make sure the top of the block is clean and flat, make sure the surface of the head is clean and flat. If you don't have a machinists' straight edge, take it to a machine shop and have it checked. Unless you like doing it over and over

I have been on the hunt for a gasket set myself, is there a brand that is recommended?
Thanks for the help
Tersta

[narfire]

I did what Mark recomended with the oil in the holes and also under the washers. Torqued down real smooth and after 200-250 kms re-tourqed. so far no issues but going to have to check the cam tower bolts soon. Seem to get a bit of weeping below the dist. and then smell of burned oil after it makes its way to the headers.
Can't remember the gasket I used though, but it had a small strip of red stuff on it and was recomended by the guys at Ital Motors in Edmonton.
Boy its great to be on the road again with the car (til the next system rolls in)

[MNspiderman]

Felpro is always a great gasket.

[narfire]

That was it... Felpro... thanks

[Tersta]

Thats what I was thinking, but I thought that I would check.
Thanks
Tersta