Can anyone tell me the reasoning behind this.

My experience with copper spray has been watching my brother scrape that mess off of his block and head.

I've changed numerous Honda headgaskets(OEM and aftermarket) and have never used copper spray.

Is it because the head bolts are reused? Head gasket being reused? Is it an old muscle car trick that's been carried over to Hondas.

I don't remember the factory service manual requiring copper spray.

Even on Mercedes-Benzes that I work on, composite gaskets on some of them, They do not require any type of spray.

We reused a Cometic head gasket with ARP studs and didn't use any copper spray. The car runs fine, no head gasket leaks. The block and head were from different motors.

And I know some of you will say, "It wouldn't hurt", But why use it if it isn't necessary in the first place?

Someone fill me in on this. I just want to know.

 

Sorry to hijack the thread but im also interested. Im about to rebuild my motor with new rods, pistons and will be using a OEM steel head gasket. Should i use copper spray? both side of the gasket?

 

I just replaced my head gasket (Honda OEM) not too long ago and sprayed a few coats of copper spray on both sides before put it in. I am pretty sure it's just used incase there are any minor scrathes or imperfections on the block/head surface... or something like that.

 

if the surface are CLEAN and EVEN theres no need for the copper spray

people think they will get a better seal, but if they torque the head the RIGHT WAY and at proper sequence there shouldnt be any problems

 

One of the fastest SOHC in the country uses a thin coat of RTV on his HG. Fact is that most fo these 10+ year old head and blocks are not perfect and a little bit of sealant helps and has not been proven to hurt in anyway. It's like, why change your oil at 3k when you could almost definatly go another 1000 miles with no problems. Cheap insurance in my eyes.

 

the past 2 headgaskets I had I first used copper spray and then the rtv sealant. This last time I didn't use either. I am sick and tired of cleaning that **** off when i have to change the headgasket. It takes so long to scrape it off each time and i can never get the surface fully clean.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Machine1 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">.

I've changed numerous Honda headgaskets(OEM and aftermarket) and have never used copper spray.

</TD></TR></TABLE>

maybe you change alot of em cause you never use copper spray?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by civicflnum1 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

maybe you change alot of em cause you never use copper spray?</TD></TR></TABLE>

nah he's referring to different cars...we never had to change a head gasket more than once...

 

I have copper spray on my cometic headgasket. just a little extra sealing security, i guess

 

because copper spray works? *shrug*

 

I thought it had something to do with the heat disipation of copper being superior to other metals. Don't qoute me on that though.

 

no it's the fact that copper is a softer metal, which makes for a better seal...

I thought it was just a bling factor

 

There are 2 reasons I use copper spray:
1. It can seal small voids between the deck and block to make sure there are none of those "MYSTERY" oil leaks.
2. It makes me feel good. I have just done it for soooo long, it is what I do on every MLS gasket.

 

peace of mind.

If its gonna blow I dont think a little copper adhesive is going to hold back 1,000+psi of cylinder pressure.

 

I blew a cometic headgasket (my brother's choice to use) and promptly switched to an OEM with copper gasket spray,17psi later and no problems. In a few weeks it'll be 25psi+ i hope.

After you've pulled the head a few times to do some work on it, the surface isn't quite as nice as it originally was. Instead of surfacing the head due to a few very minor scratches, copper spray helps to fill the "voids."

I also like to spray my exhaust manifold gaskets (turbo inlet and head flange).

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by turbosi03 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">no it's the fact that copper is a softer metal, which makes for a better seal... </TD></TR></TABLE>

That is my understanding of why copper spray works.

 

the spray helps the head gasket stick to the surfaces...mainly used for sealing purposes on deck surfaces

 

Its great for turbo flange gaskets

 

Golden Eagle recomends the use of copper spray on their blocks. Copper spray is not necessary for headgasket replacement on stock oem blocks.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by rioninja &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Its great for turbo flange gaskets </TD></TR></TABLE>

why yes it is sir! I don't use gaskets, but it's great between flanges

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by boostedsol &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Golden Eagle recomends the use of copper spray on their blocks. Copper spray is not necessary for headgasket replacement on stock oem blocks.</TD></TR></TABLE>

It would do the same thing on an OEM block as it would on a Golden Eagle block.

 

Doofus question:

Where can I buy copper spray at?

 

ANY auto parts store. The brand I have is Permatex.

 

Permatex is the best. It ranges, about $2.99 a can.

We only suggest to use it on our blocks. It would do the same thing on our blocks as it would stock blocks! I am just in the habit od using it. For me, it is peace of mind! Like I said before, just helps with those annoying oil leaks!

 

when my engine was first built i blew the hg right off the dyno and didnt use any copper spray. when i relaced it i used some and its been fine ever since