Ya I know I ask alot of questions. Guess it is because I want piece of mind flying down the freeway. Alright heads are in getting machined. I got a head gasket kit from oriellys for like 80 bucks comes with it all. So my question is do I lay a sealant down with the gaskets. I heard no. I have heard just enough to hold it in place as you put on the heads. And I have heard yes I do from the parts store the guy sold me this copper based sealant to use. Just wondering thanks guys.

 

When I build an engine I use no sealants. If you notice the gasket (if its the type of gasket you got) is a coated metal compressed gasket that allows for expansion of the heads because the heat up faster than the block itself. If you use a sealer (witch in a way acts as a glue for the mating surfaces) it can cause the gasket to "shred"/"tear" in a way that could cause gasket failure. Now I'm assuming you have cast iron heads so its not as picky on your car. Aluminum expands faster and further than cast. So they tear gaskets up easier with a sealant. All in all the sealant shouldn't be necessary if the surfaces are cleaned well with a cloth covered in brake cleaner.

 

+1 on that, head gaskets never need sealant unless the mating surfaces are not true.

 

Thanks guys ya they are the cast iron. Took me over a month to find an original matching casting for a cracked head that I have. Learn something new every day. So truly the only spots that need sealant are the intake manifold and thermostat then. Kit came with cork valve cover gaskets boo I know but it is either buy rubber ones now or my headliner.

 

Cork is good for a temporary gasket lol. They suck...
Idont put sealant in the intake gaskets either. But some people do. Not a giant deal on the intake gaskets if you use sealant.
Thermostat you can use silicone.

 

The gaskets you bought are probably Fel-Pro. If they are, you can rest assured of a good product. I've used them for over 30 years on my engine projects and have some awaiting the return of my 289 heads from the machine shop with performance upgrades.