Copper head gasket spray

**Merc 2.5** · 09-26-2020, 03:06 PM

tried dig in archive's but some said it worked some said it destroyed aluminum? Don't see how it destroyed aluminum when they use it on aluminum race engine heads and iron blocks coating both sides of head gasket

Im wondering if I can use a "light dusting " over head gaskets b4 goin on , for little insurance nothin more 2.5 merc

Thanks

**Dave S** · 09-27-2020, 08:28 AM

I would use the red permagasket,,,,, let it dry before bolting down..... Make sure all is FLAT.... JMO....

**Merc 2.5** · 09-27-2020, 09:08 AM

Just pullin heads to check on motor , not a bunch hrs on it and nothin wrong. You no , can't leave chit alone

**LakeFever** · 09-27-2020, 10:55 AM

I love that stuff I’ve used it in a lot of applications with a perfect success rate. I’ve used it to aid sealing leaking dexcool o rings and fittings as well as head mls gaskets. Used on aluminum and iron for well over ten years and parts always came apart clean and easy. It almost works like anti seize even though it’s a sealer. I can’t say enough good about it for older less than perfect surface finishes the copper spray its the bees knees far as I’m concerned. Can’t see it hurting anything

**PanRonnie** · 09-27-2020, 01:54 PM

Originally Posted by Merc 2.5

tried dig in archive's but some said it worked some said it destroyed aluminum? Don't see how it destroyed aluminum when they use it on aluminum race engine heads and iron blocks coating both sides of head gasket

Im wondering if I can use a "light dusting " over head gaskets b4 goin on , for little insurance nothin more 2.5 merc

Thanks

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galvan...alvanic_series

**LakeFever** · 09-27-2020, 02:11 PM

That’s a very handy link although for the op I appreciate that thanks!

I wonder how much ( if any? ) actual copper is in the spray though? I’m not sure if it’s make up but permatex ultra copper is the goto sealer for snowmobile exhaust pipes and manifolds. Mild steel to aluminum in very corrosive salty wet slushy environments. Never had an issue nor heard of one that I know of

**Merc 2.5** · 09-27-2020, 04:42 PM

I read sumwere that the actual amount of copper was low. Ill try find it again.

**rgsauger** · 09-29-2020, 10:01 PM

I've used the copper coat spray on a lot of motors and never had an issue later in life. I use it and have confidence in it.

**Noah Burns** · 09-30-2020, 11:20 AM

so, humor me... you're wanting to spray the head gaskets (both sides) with the copper material prior to install? as in both sides, full coverage?

Is the idea to increase sealing or decrease gasket peeling in teardown? or both?

**LakeFever** · 09-30-2020, 12:28 PM

Originally Posted by Noah Burns

so, humor me... you're wanting to spray the head gaskets (both sides) with the copper material prior to install? as in both sides, full coverage?

Is the idea to increase sealing or decrease gasket peeling in teardown? or both?

The first time I used it was for a coolant pipe that was steel and bolted into an aluminum block. The seal is a void displacement o ring around the steel pipe nipple and there was a coolant leak there which had caused some corrosion. I installed a new o ring and it still leaked even with coolant pucks. On advice of a good mechanic I know he suggested the copper spray so I sprayed the block, the pipe and clamp, as well as the o ring and bolted it back up. Worked great no more leaks and that engine is still running fine no leaks some 20 years later.

I have since used it on many applications no issues to speak of. Aluminum heads to mls gaskets to iron blocks a few times. I have re used mls gaskets with copper spray numerous times to save $ and no issues. My experience with the product has been excellent.

I have yet to use it in a marine application though. Can’t Beat properly machined surfaces and new gaskets I’m not saying it’s a better than new solution I’m merely commenting on what I’ve done and how it worked out. As for disassembly it does seem to keep things slightly sticky and never totally dry making head removal on one engine a breeze. Had those heads off four times during ownership of that engine. Race motor so it came apart often

**Merc 2.5** · 09-30-2020, 03:59 PM

Reason for me asking this question was so I can pull heads inspect motor and reinstall, which I've already done it now , but my motor only has 100 or so hrs and all mating surfaces was decked at machine shop , when i pulled gasket it still looked new , if a gasket was to tear or rip id replace it, but since it pretty much fell off , I used the spray let it tack up on both sides and installed head. Doin great. I also took a spare head and sprayed it with a little to see what it does and I can't see it doing anything but help the seal wether its a new gasket or used. If it ever happens to blow out ill repost but not likely , the race car guys use it almost every time the pull a head. So that's what got me thinkin

**InjectorService** · 09-30-2020, 05:24 PM

I've used it a fair amount, never had an issue. Paper gaskets, MLS, etc. I've used a cardboard box sprayed with it as a base gasket on a chainsaw. Works really well. I always try to replace gaskets where I can, but sometimes your in a pinch, and this stuff does work good in my experience.

**Baker343** · 09-30-2020, 11:43 PM

Used it at last years Enduro with used head gaskets and no issues.

**TEXAS20225** · 10-01-2020, 01:43 AM

Use it I've used it for ever especially on my own motas when i reuse the gaskets some time as many as 3/4 time in one day u know cant leave nothing alone changing heads for farts n giggles back when i had to slam the door on my pecker to get my genes zipped up now i have to make sure it aint zipped up in it

**Noah Burns** · 10-01-2020, 08:58 AM

which spray did you use? brand and type I mean.

Originally Posted by Merc 2.5

Reason for me asking this question was so I can pull heads inspect motor and reinstall, which I've already done it now , but my motor only has 100 or so hrs and all mating surfaces was decked at machine shop , when i pulled gasket it still looked new , if a gasket was to tear or rip id replace it, but since it pretty much fell off , I used the spray let it tack up on both sides and installed head. Doin great. I also took a spare head and sprayed it with a little to see what it does and I can't see it doing anything but help the seal wether its a new gasket or used. If it ever happens to blow out ill repost but not likely , the race car guys use it almost every time the pull a head. So that's what got me thinkin