Head gasket replacement hints

[Chris Exelby]

Suffering from water leaks from the head gasket I have removed the head and am cleaning it up. There are signs of pitting in the aluminium. There was no sign of leaking from the cylinders into the waterways. The bolts were badly stuffed with aluminium dust.

I have a new copper head gasket and researching this site it would seems I should anneal the gasket, coat it lightly on both sides with silicon seal and then torque it up to 20 LBS.

I may have the head skimmed. Is there anything else I should do whilst the head is off?

Comments and advice anyone?

[Nick]

I bought a new Cooper gasket late last year that I haven't fitted yet.

I was told not to anneal it and to use- Permatex Cooper spray gasket with it. They did suggest speaking to Clive Worral if I wanted expert advice about fitting.

[hendred]

No personal experience of the copper head gasket however Permetex copper gasket spray is favoured by some Norton owners.  Also make sure there is adequate clearance around the bolt holes to allow slight movement when torquing down the head.