Ok, I know how much some of you hate Cometic head gaskets. However, I bought one for my B20/VTEC build. The question I have is, how much do I spray, and how long do I let it stand before slapping on my head? With the Cometic MLS, should I spray the whole gasket, or mask certain areas?

So far, the plan is to hang the gasket in my garage and spray light coats until it's visible, but I'm not sure how many coats to give it. A friend of mine told me to install it while it's tacky and wet, but I'm not sure if I want to do that. What would you guys suggest?

 

just do a couple of coats on each side and wait about 1 min to install.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by SolAssassin &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I know how much some of you hate Cometic head gaskets.</TD></TR></TABLE>

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by CerealKiller &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">just do a couple of coats on each side and wait about 1 min to install.

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

 

even if you let it dry up for an hour it remains tacky...i would let it sit for 10min before putting it on the block.

 

What does Cometic or Permatex say? I know they do not know as much as H-T guys, but there input could be worth some humor.

 

Why do you want to use that stuff?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by mar778c &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Why do you want to use that stuff?</TD></TR></TABLE>
x2

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by mar778c &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Why do you want to use that stuff?</TD></TR></TABLE>
I've read too many threads with horror stories with Cometic gaskets. Even though my head has a fresh mill, I'd still rather be safe than sorry. Same reason I girdled my block, for the added insurance

Thanks for the responses guys!


Modified by SolAssassin at 10:36 PM 6/10/2008

 

I just started using a thin layer of honda bond or permatex gray on each corner of the HG. I have noticed that a couple of my first builds leaked at the corners after a few hundred miles. Even after head and blocks being resurfaceds and proper torquing of ARP head studs, and even after retorquing the studs after 10 heat cycles. The last 2 builds I used the permatex gray on the corners and so far so good.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by all-mtr-teg &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I just started using a thin layer of honda bond or permatex gray on each corner of the HG. I have noticed that a couple of my first builds leaked at the corners after a few hundred miles. Even after head and blocks being resurfaceds and proper torquing of ARP head studs, and even after retorquing the studs after 10 heat cycles. The last 2 builds I used the permatex gray on the corners and so far so good.</TD></TR></TABLE>

i think i'm going to try that out, i notice a couple of builds that i've done had that same problem. hopefully there wont be no problems in the long run

 

i love how everybody loves to blame cometic for there crappy heads or install jobs, the shop i used to work at built A LOT of 350-750whp cars all with cometic head gaskets and never had a problem, honda's evo's etc... this anti cometic thing has got to be the new bandwagon, like CP pistons despite the fact CP's valve reliefs were all chipping off a feaw years back you all still love them...

 

Me gots no problem w/ cometic, their .070" HG saved my build
I've used them in several on my buddies builds, and ever since I started using some permetex gray on the corner, haven't had any leaks or other problems.

 

Here's how mine came out over the weekend...







I trust it enough to use, the head has a fresh mill. The copper spray just lets me rest easy

 

All that fresh paint, yet a rusty ol' water pipe?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by FST GSR 1 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">All that fresh paint, yet a rusty ol' water pipe?</TD></TR></TABLE>
i keep polishing it and it removes the surface rust completely, but it always comes back...

 

Its only plated metal, with not much plating left by the looks of it. Hows the inside of the pipe going, not in the same condition is it, otherwise would pay to source another one.

 

Regarding HG failures...

I have seen EVERY brand of HG fail at least once. When you figure people saying "I had a Cometic fail on me",theyre probably using the Cometic because its a non-stock bore size, which means its a stroker setup of some sort. So it probably has some sort of forged piston and also EMS. Being sensitive to tune/heat, a crap tune or even assembler/builder can make a good HG go bad very quickly.

 

Maybe I'm just thick but I don't see the reason for the spray. If the head and block are flat then gasket will seal with no problems.

I've used the GE gaskets for years with no problems. I have no problem with cometic. I'm wondering like some others what does cometic say?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by mar778c &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Maybe I'm just thick but I don't see the reason for the spray. If the head and block are flat then gasket will seal with no problems.

I've used the GE gaskets for years with no problems. I have no problem with cometic. I'm wondering like some others what does cometic say?</TD></TR></TABLE> What would be the disadvantage? When GE new what they were doing ( Ted and Vince) they recommended it, were they wrong?

 

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

I have seen EVERY brand of HG fail at least once. When you figure people saying "I had a Cometic fail on me",theyre probably using the Cometic because its a non-stock bore size, which means its a stroker setup of some sort. So it probably has some sort of forged piston and also EMS. Being sensitive to tune/heat, a crap tune or even assembler/builder can make a good HG go bad very quickly.</TD></TR></TABLE>


Its not the HG Ive Used Over 50+ Cometics MLS 30 thou HD's Worked great everytime. its when you get into the 40 thou and up they arent a 3 layer metal they are 2 layer with a slab of metal or (compression reducer) in the middle and dont seal well, very long. Golden eagle recommended 80Lbs head torque with those gaskets, but in my opinion its squishes it too much and just shift's causing a crappy seal. use arp's 68-70 Lbs Max.

Most likely its your parts that are the problem and not the gasket.

and copper spray LOL havent seen that used in years lol just ugly and mesy! and not to mention you get a radiator full of of copper residue.


Cometic MLS
Mugen
Honda Gasket
Stone gasket
Rock Gasket
Fel-Pro gasket's

there all good Especially good when used with a clean fresh Surfaced head and decked block!

Just my 2 cents

i like that felpro OP gasket its hondata blue LOL! and kinda polyurathanish!

 

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


Its not the HG Ive Used Over 50+ Cometics MLS 30 thou HD's Worked great everytime. its when you get into the 40 thou and up they arent a 3 layer metal they are 2 layer with a slab of metal or (compression reducer) in the middle and dont seal well, very long. Golden eagle recommended 80Lbs head torque with those gaskets, but in my opinion its squishes it too much and just shift's causing a crappy seal. use arp's 68-70 Lbs Max.

Most likely its your parts that are the problem and not the gasket.

and copper spray LOL havent seen that used in years lol just ugly and mesy! and not to mention you get a radiator full of of copper residue.


Cometic MLS
Mugen
Honda Gasket
Stone gasket
Rock Gasket
Fel-Pro gasket's

there all good Especially good when used with a clean fresh Surfaced head and decked block!

Just my 2 cents!

anyone seen the felpro OP gasket?? its hondata blue LOL!</TD></TR></TABLE>

I got a felpro lower gasket set for my next build. It looks damn sexy

 

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

I got a felpro lower gasket set for my next build. It looks damn sexy </TD></TR></TABLE>


Hahaha

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by DonF &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> What would be the disadvantage? When GE new what they were doing ( Ted and Vince) they recommended it, were they wrong?</TD></TR></TABLE>

The headgaskets already comes with a coating to help them adhere to the surface. That spray looks like it with will interfere with the headgaskets coating.

You don't add and additional coating to a sealing surface post facto. If so honda, cometic, MLS, etc.. would have sent some instructions.

My dad used to use copper spray on bare metal gaskets back in the day.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by mar778c &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

The headgaskets already comes with a coating to help them adhere to the surface. That spray looks like it with will interfere with the headgaskets coating.

You don't add and additional coating to a sealing surface post facto. If so honda, cometic, MLS, etc.. would have sent some instructions.

My dad used to use copper spray on bare metal gaskets back in the day.

</TD></TR></TABLE> So what is the down-side? Check with your Dad. Is better sealing on the inperfections Bad? As a light coat of copper spray has no effect on the gasket, what is the down-side?

 

The HG has rubber on either side to create a better seal for whatever imperfections there may be, already...what's the UP-side to copper spray?