I just spray a liberal coat (but not dripping) on both sides of the head gasket. That was someone else who said they sprayed the block and head too. I wouldn't, never have! I used "Indian Head" shellac on the first 196 (an L-head) I rebuilt. It was fine, but Permatex (they still make the original formula Indian Head!) doesn't seem, to recommend it for head gaskets. Says it's good for 500° though, but nothing about high pressure. That's what one of the old timer mechanics recommended I use at the time... that was around 1980... --------------- Date: Fri, 24 Oct 2008 14:46:19 -0700 From: Tom Jennings <tomj@xxxxxxx> Frank Swygert wrote: > > Bruce, just what kind of sealer are you using on the head gasket? Sounds like you are using the Permatex Copper from a tube.. a silicone type product. What you should be using is the spray on copper or aluminum sealant. The spray on is like a thick spray paint and is easiest to get/use. Just spray enough to lightly cover the gasket on both sides, thats' all -- shouldn't be dripping or running, though a few drips or runs won't hurt. Permatex makes a copper spray -- Item # 80697, part #101MA. If you used the silicone based stuff that's the problem! You'll need a new head gasket... > Oh yeah, silicone is NFG here! You need the old smelly solvent stuff! Frank, how do you apply the spray on head and deck though? Doesn't it go all over the piston and valves'n'stuff? Good for the gasket though! -- Frank Swygert Publisher, "American Motors Cars" Magazine (AMC) For all AMC enthusiasts http://farna.home.att.net/AMC.html (free download available!) _______________________________________________ Amc-list mailing list Amc-list@xxxxxxxxxxxx http://splatter.wps.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/amc-list