head help

[beachboy]

Does the head gasket always go on dry or is there something to help with the sealing. Havent put one on in a while and was wondering if there is something new. No, I have not had a sealing problem, just asking.

Thanks
Nelson

[narfire]

The few I have put on have always gone on dry, after making sure the surfaces are spotless and I have had the head surfaced. The few motor heads in the neighborhood have recomended dry as well. There are lots here with WAY more experience than moi and hopefully they chime in.
I have taken Marks recomendation as well in chasing the head bolt holes in the block and adding a drop of oil there and on the head bolt washers. Get a consistant tourqe.

[Ken]

If you have problems keeping the gasket aligned during installation I use 3M spray contact cement, it holds the gasket in place, and when if ever is taken off again the gasket comes off without sticking.
Ken

[So Cal Mark]

gaskets vary greatly depending on the mfg. Follow their recommendations as many gaskets now come already coated. Graphite or multi-layer gaskets are meant to let the head move as it expands and contracts and adding anything sticky to them ruins their effectiveness. Your block should have two dowels in it to prevent the gasket from moving during reassembly