Copper Head Gasket Spray - Good or Bad Idea??!!

[dom14]

Hey Guys,

I've been told to use either one of the below products if I'm not decking the block(which I won't as I would have to pull the block out &
take it to a machine shop).

https://www.autobarn.com.au/vht-coppercoat-gasket-cement-sp21

http://www.permatex.com.au/_products/Automotive/gasketing/gasket+sealants/Permatex+Copper+Spray-A-Gasket+Hi-Temp+Adhesive+Sealant-1295.aspx

The idea is to fix any porosity on the engine block that would cause the head gasket to fail down the track.


Any of you have any experience with the above stuff?

Any opinions?

I am happy to hear anything.

Thanx

Dom

[dom14]

I wanted to clarify 'cos of the below video from Eric the Car Guy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDtjlT6LsD4

[dom14]

LS1 forum here suggests using it for the most part, particularly for older engines that may have developed porosity on the top of the block.

https://ls1tech.com/forums/generation-iii-internal-engine/1576412-should-i-use-copper-spray-my-head-gaskets.html

[dom14]

This demonstrates the proper way of using the copper gasket spray.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCoAeK667Z4

[dom14]

Mostly negative comments here. In other words saying don't do it unless the deck of the head is bad(porous & uneven).

https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/evo-engine-turbo-drivetrain/447314-copper-spray-headgasket-yay-nay.html

However, if the surface of the block is uneven, then it needs machining(decking) anyway, doesn't it?

[dom14]

Pretty interesting to see how to deck engine blocks. I wonder whether there is a backyard (reliable) method to do the same thing!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEba341ZSYA

[billyj]

ok ls1 is all alloy and far moe prone to warpage etc than a cast iron block like your rb30. the sprays arent nessasary, just make sure to get the deck perfectly clean or any traces of old gasket and then clean down with brake cleaner or acetone. head gaskets are already coated with all the coatings etc they need to get a good seal. and for what its worth use a genuine nissan gasket in my expierence they are the best option for a mild build. once assembled only fill with plain water for first 1000 km then flush and add coolant. reason being is coolant is much slipperier than water and is more likely to seep under gaskets during the first couple of heat cycles as the gasket sets

[dom14]

ok ls1 is all alloy and far moe prone to warpage etc than a cast iron block like your rb30. the sprays arent nessasary, just make sure to get the deck perfectly clean or any traces of old gasket and then clean down with brake cleaner or acetone. head gaskets are already coated with all the coatings etc they need to get a good seal. and for what its worth use a genuine nissan gasket in my expierence they are the best option for a mild build. once assembled only fill with plain water for first 1000 km then flush and add coolant. reason being is coolant is much slipperier than water and is more likely to seep under gaskets during the first couple of heat cycles as the gasket sets

Thanx for the post and the tips above mate. It will come pretty handy. :)
Cheers