steel shim head gaskets and aluminum heads

is this an ok combination? I've got a set of nos steel head gaskets and a set of stage 2 heads. can i use those gaskets and expect them to seal with the aluminum heads? thanks!

 

I would put a good sealer on them.so many other options out there.ta performance offers different thickness mls gaskets.

 

I was told that the head and block should be "O Ringed"

 

The MLS gasket and steel shim are two different animals, what I question is when the head gets hot and moves around will there be enough tension on the gasket to keep it tight,..maybe idk. But both surfaces would definitely need to be perfectly flat for sure and I would spray the gasket with some silver or gold metallic paint

 

I think you can use copper coat to spray them. Whats MLS gasget?

 

Oringed you are refering to a copper crush ring? I always think rubber when i hear o ring

 

MLS = Multi layered steel, and its gasket not gasget. LOL

When a block is "O-ringed" a small groove is cut into the block's deck around each cylinder and a stainless steel strand of wire is installed into the groove that is now in a circle or called an "O" in the deck.

Half of the diameter of the wire sticks up higher than the deck's surface and when the head gasket is bolted in between the head and the block's deck it adds extra sealing power using either copper or steel shim head gaskets that are designed to be used in conjuntion with an O-ring. Sometimes a reciever groove is machined in the heads as well to make room the the disapated material when a larger diameter O-ring(larger diameter of stainless steel wire) is used.

 

I would want studs on an O-ringed block. Seems like it could be fun time keeping the ring to stay put. Are there ever any issues like pitting in the block groves. Im not sorry about the gasget. BLOL

How much difference in compression are you getting using MLS gasket, compared to TA orange crush that are actually white gasket? I also have stage 2 SE heads for my motor not together yet.

 

Dam Gary , you have an amazing list of cars there. Did you work at Buick headquarters?

 

I would use a 0.027" cometic and be done with it. I personally wouldn't use a steel shim on an aluminum head but I'm sure others have done it.

 

I agree with Ross, been using Cometics for years with iron block/ al. heads.
gary

 

Ha, nope just owning and driving and racing them since 1967. Wow 50 years,never thought about it. I think I'm at max though, at my age its getting harder every year to keep up with them all, will need to consider thinning the herd soon.

 

the thing is I've got the steel gaskets in stock. I'll hit them with some sealer

 

Let us know how you do it (i.e., type of sealer, if any, etc.) and, worst case, if it fails, please.

Good luck.

 

The key to good seal and long head gasket life with Aluminum heads is that there deck finish needs be so fine that they look like a mirror, other wise there far greater expansion and contraction rate over iron will tare up any Gasket giving enough heat up and cool down sessions!
I find that a shop with a wet stone type milling machine is the tops for this type of work as most of these type mills will let you go out and have lunch before they finish a pass on the slow speed setting!

 

I have around 10000 miles on my 455 with aluminum heads and cometic gaskets. No problem so far. I have also used and reused copper head gaskets in the past, no o-ringed block never had a problem.

Bob H.

 

Ok whats a cometic gasket? I keep seeing this .