Head gasket sealant

[Sidecarbod]

Hi Everybody,

The heads off my RV8 are presently at V8 developments getting a stage three job but I'm a bit concerned about the head gaskets. When I removed the heads I noticed some brown marks heading out from the middle two cylinders towards the outer edge of the block on both banks. (Towards the fifth bolt which wasn't fitted).

I need to use the "tin" gaskets to get the compression right, my question is can
anyone recommend using a gasket sealant in conjunction with the new gaskets and if so which one?

Cheers!

[russell_ram]

'I need to use the "tin" gaskets to get the compression right'

Don't ! If you're paying to have your heads done then shell out the extra few quid to get them skimmed to take the composite gaskets. The symptoms you describe are EXACTLY the reason you should change to composites.

'anyone recommend using a gasket sealant in conjunction with the new gaskets'

If you do really want to use tin gaskets (why?) then they don't require any sealant. They are coated in a laquer that melts on first use to optimise the seal.

Russ

[Sidecarbod]

Hi Russ,

I was hoping that someone like you would post a reply....what you don't know ain't worth knowing!

After reading your response I have spoken to V8 and asked them to skim the heads the required amount to allow me to use the composite gaskets.
One thing that was putting me off using the thicker gaskets was the fact that the pistons are approximately 36 thou down the bore at TDC, this distance when combined with the gasket will mean that the squish clearance maybe a bit too large to work well.

On bike engines we would try to run the squish at about 0.6 mm but maybe on car is doesn't matter so much?

Anyway V8 have agreed to do the work so thanks for the advice.