Replacing Head Gasket

outbackrider400 · Jun 6, 2015

Getting ready to replace head gasket in 310 backhoe.
3.164 engine. I've gone through the manual, looks
pretty straight forward...anything I should watch out for.
Plan to bolt down cylinder sleeves.
Does the new gasket need Copper Coat or other treatment?

Thanks for your input.

Goose · Jun 6, 2015

I always use Coppercoat on head gaskets, even if the book says they can be installed dry.

Alan K · Jun 6, 2015

Ive always used copper coat. Ive always felt better using it. Make sure you have a diagram of the sequence for torquing the head bolts.

jimg.allentown · Jun 6, 2015

I never use anything on a head gasket unless the book or the gasket maker specify using it. Most gaskets today are some sort of layered or composition gaskets, and designed to be used as they come out of the package. Some even have some sort of sealer already applied to them. My vote is to use it dry.

Dick L · Jun 6, 2015

Copper coat sure will not cause a problem. I have overhauled a couple of 310's and did not use anything on the head gaskets. I have not lost a head gasket installing them dry on any head gaskets that didn't call for it. The only head gaskets that didn't hold dry for me was when I used the tractor without retorquing the head after warm up.

rustred · Jun 6, 2015

myself I have never used copper coat on a head gasket, as that is a thread lubricant. the place for that is on the studs and nuts. I use permatex high tack sealer on all my gaskets. it is oil and gas resistant and holds gaskets in place, and also very easy to remove gaskets. my thinking is that if you use coppercoat then nothing used is good to. a grease film on the gasket is better than copper coat, I have done that also. don't forget most gaskets nowadays have the sealant built right into them and the torque and heat is the sealer.
even the old chev 350 engines with with the thin metal head gaskets I have done them with sealant and no sealant. also both surfaces must be flat and no warpage. I have never done a retorque on any chev engine either.
the biggest thing is make sure both surfaces are clean and flat. and lube your studs with copper coat or never seize.

gab · Jun 6, 2015

The older steel gaskets like Chevy small blocks I sometimes sprayed with alum. paint. The newer composition gaskets I don't remember ever using anything on, a lot of times any recommendation from the maker will be include with or on the gasket.

Bob · Jun 6, 2015

You are saying Copper Coat spray is intended as a THREAD lubricant???

<img src = "http://www.mondellotwister.com/1516S.gif">
<img src = "http://www.carid.com/images/k-and-w/automotive-chemicals/401612.jpg">

Mike Aylward · Jun 6, 2015

I am not a proponent of the copper coat. It is snake oil in my book and not necessary if you have clean, flat surfaces to deal with. Like someone saidabout the copper spray, "it makes me feel better". There are other things that can do a better job of that..

Unless a certain kind of application calls for more than a dry gasket, install it dry. Mike

Gambles · Jun 6, 2015

Your 310 probably doesn't have this type of a head gasket, but put absolutely nothing on a Fel-Pro permatorque head gasket. They are put on absolutely dry.
A lot of the older, traditional head gaskets will allow sealers, such as Copper-Kote and aluminum paint, but I there are only a few sealers that I would use.

outbackrider400 · Jun 6, 2015

Thanks for the input.
On the right side of the engine where the old head gasket was
I was getting all sorts of oil spoooge coming from both the top and
bottom of the head gasket. Looking at the old gasket, it does
not look like they put any sealant on it and because of the bolt
pattern, over the years, the oil spoooge has developed.

I am going to reinstall with an OEM gasket, but am thinking
I might try a spray sealant for good measure...thoughts?

Thanks.

S2710 · Jun 6, 2015

outback 99 times out of a 100 you don't need your car insurance but you have it. I would say the same thing in using sealer on a gasket, a little extra insurance.

Bob

rustred · Jun 7, 2015

yes that's what I am saying, as I have never even found the stuff u have shown here. and have even asked about it at napa and different stores. you learn something all the time. I will look into it. there is copper coat thread lube that I use.

Replacing Head Gasket

outbackrider400

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Goose

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Alan K

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jimg.allentown

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Dick L

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rustred

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gab

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Bob

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Mike Aylward

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Gambles

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outbackrider400

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S2710

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rustred

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