Guest Bill Miller Posted August 14, 2012 Share Posted August 14, 2012 Hi everybody,I have a very slight coolant leak in front of cylinder 1 on my '15 DB tourer. Coolant is weeping below the top hose gooseneck at the head gasket. No, it's not coming from the hose but is seeping between the head and the block at the gasket. I have re-torqued the head to no avail so I'm going to replace the head gasket. QUESTION: I've seen printed articles in various old car magazines both advising in favor of and advising against the use of spray-on gasket sealant when replacing the head gasket. Anyone with experience at this? What do you recommend? Thanks in advance.Bill:confused: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeC5 Posted August 14, 2012 Share Posted August 14, 2012 I put a light coat of high temp red RTV around all of the coolant passages when I put on the new HG and no leaks so far (although it hasn't been run much either). I figured it was worth a try. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Lawson Posted August 14, 2012 Share Posted August 14, 2012 Hi Bill It would't hurt to check both the head and the block surfaces for straightness while you have the head off As a child I can remember old back yarders painting a used head gasket with a paint called Silver Frost and re using the old gasket No one had much money them days in the little timber mill town that I grew up in There were some sucesses and failures but as I said they were back yarders Cheers Ron Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete K. Posted August 15, 2012 Share Posted August 15, 2012 Most old time mechanics used to smear a layer of GREASE onto the gasket first. This DOES work, but these days, a better alternative is "Ultra Copper" made by the Permatex people. Use the spray can type, do both sides of gasket. It won't leak. Gotta have a FLAT mating surface, no matter what, between head and block. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 1930 Posted August 15, 2012 Share Posted August 15, 2012 I like using the silver paint but thats only if I have it handy which is not too often, if its a new gasket and there are no other issues like warpage, crack ect ( should have all that checked while its off ) than you shouldnt have any problems it after bolte on. Get new head bolts BTW Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Fast Four Special Posted August 18, 2012 Share Posted August 18, 2012 The Copper spray works excellent! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sorensen_DK Posted August 19, 2012 Share Posted August 19, 2012 Just out of curiosity: you cover the whole gasket, both sides?Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 1930 Posted August 19, 2012 Share Posted August 19, 2012 Just out of curiosity: you cover the whole gasket, both sides?TomI do Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Bill Miller Posted August 19, 2012 Share Posted August 19, 2012 I want to thank all who have responded. New gasket with spray permatex ultra copper installed and all is well. I have the head bolts torqued to 35 lbs hot. I can't find any specs on a recommended torque setting other than to torque the bolts "tight". Any recommendations?Bill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billstewart Posted August 20, 2012 Share Posted August 20, 2012 Hi Bill , I torqued the head bolts on my 24 at 60 lbs and have not had any trouble with leaks or anything, Bill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete K. Posted August 20, 2012 Share Posted August 20, 2012 My thoughts are to torque head bolts around 55-60 ft. lbs. COLD! Check and re-torque about 3 times within the first 1000 miles. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Fast Four Special Posted August 20, 2012 Share Posted August 20, 2012 I would torque to 55-60 cold with plenty of anti-sieze on the threads. Retorque after a couple of heat cycles and nver worry about it again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Bill Miller Posted August 21, 2012 Share Posted August 21, 2012 Thanks Bill, Pete, and Fast Four. I expected that 35 lbs was not enough but didn't want to tighten further without advice. Much appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now