Re: Water stains from leaking head gasket

Posted by Joe on April 06, 1998 at 08:50:35

In Reply to: Water stains from leaking head gasket
posted by Bob east on April 06, 1998 at 08:00:37

: Any ideas on how to remove these?
You might try using a tan colored "scotchbrite" pad.This is a relatively "fine grit" (if you want to call it that) and will leave minimal scratches on the paint and likely remove your staining.
: Also can I safely re-use the head gasket if/when I remove the head?
I have reused headgaskets many times but only if they are *absolutely perfect* when I finally get the head off.Any dents, screwdriver marks, or a shreading, severe bending or delamination of the gasket or copper cover is usually enough for me to condemn the gasket and (reluctantly) use a new one.
I remember and identify with the old "Midas Muffler" ads where Mr. Purdy, an older man, drives into Midas in his Model A and inquires about their muffler "guaranteed for life".It was evident the old man was crusty, taciturn, and most of all cheap.I claim a certain resemblence in all three but prefer "frugal" as the operative word here.
:What sealer should be use on installation. An old timer I knew used an aluminum paint on both sides of gasket, then bolted down while still tacky. Never seemed to leak for him....
Hmm. Never thought of aluminum paint!How does it dry if it isn't exposed to the air?Actually comments on this and other headgasket related items from a variety of authors (including myself) appear on the WWW board at "Timing Cover Rope Seal Revisited; Head and Pan Gasket Sealants" -inquired on March 15, 1998 at 18:45:24.There are also other inquiries and replies throughout the board.You can search on "gasket" and find bunches.
As I hope you will see if you read beyond, I usually don't care to use anything as a sealant but will use the (gack) unsightly Permatex Red Spray if nothing else seems to seal the head.
Hope this all helps.Let us know where you end up and how well it works.
Best regards,
Joe

: Thanks to all!

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