Head Gasket Info - 1951 8N

[Old 8 Guy]

It"s been 50 years since I dealt with my first car, a flathead 1939 Plymouth. Now that I"ve dated myself, here is my question:

We used to use aluminum spray paint on both sides of a head gasket, since Permatex could possibly get into the valves or cylinders.

What method or type of sealer is used today, or has it not changed since my younger days?

There is no mention of this in my operator"s manual.

Thanks in advance!
 

[souNdguy]

you've got the semi metal and fiber gaskets .. you can put them on dry or with a few different things.

some have used silver or copper paint like you mention.. some use copper coat. I've even heard of indian head gasket sealer.. as well as avaiation gasket sealer.

your machine.. your call.

if head and block deck are good.. you should not need it.. probably won't hurt either.

as to gasket type.. some life the soft fibre.. some liek the metal... goes both ways.

some nead gaskets claim to not need retorquing.. for instance.. some felpro are like that.

me? I always retorque.. sometimes a few times.

don't hurt...
 

[NOXJohn]

I prefer the Felpro head gasket sprayed with copper coat. My local NAPA store can get the Felpro gasket by the next day. They have copper coat spray on the self.
 

[Ken Ind]

get the felpro. no worries then. will seal perfectly.