Metal headgasket surface prep ?

[fatmobile]

On the 1.6s with the standard head gasket I like to clean the surface of all oils.
 With the metal head gasket it doesn't seem right to leave two metal surfaces without any corrosion inhibitor.

 Super clean it?
 Or spray/wipe a light oil on it?

[Kantdrivefast]

On the 1.6s with the standard head gasket I like to clean the surface of all oils.
 With the metal head gasket it doesn't seem right to leave two metal surfaces without any corrosion inhibitor.

 Super clean it?
 Or spray/wipe a light oil on it?

I put aviation gasket maker on both side of my headgasket... thats me though.

[fatmobile]

Metal head gasket?

[Vincent Waldon]

I prefer mine dry dry dry boys.  

[53 willys]

if your RA finish on your head and block are not fine/smooth enough it may take aviation gasket sealer to get it to seal....they were not originally set up for that fine of a RA so there is a chance it wont seal...like mine did not...I took mine back off aviation gasket sealed both sides and it's been holding fine.

my .02

[Kantdrivefast]

if your RA finish on your head and block are not fine/smooth enough it may take aviation gasket sealer to get it to seal....they were not originally set up for that fine of a RA so there is a chance it wont seal...like mine did not...I took mine back off aviation gasket sealed both sides and it's been holding fine.

my .02

I just did it to begin with... No taking chances for me.

[96jetta]

if your RA finish on your head and block are not fine/smooth enough it may take aviation gasket sealer to get it to seal....they were not originally set up for that fine of a RA so there is a chance it wont seal...like mine did not...I took mine back off aviation gasket sealed both sides and it's been holding fine.

my .02

you used the same gasket again with sealer?

[53 willys]

if your RA finish on your head and block are not fine/smooth enough it may take aviation gasket sealer to get it to seal....they were not originally set up for that fine of a RA so there is a chance it wont seal...like mine did not...I took mine back off aviation gasket sealed both sides and it's been holding fine.

my .02

I just did it to begin with... No taking chances for me.

yeah I wish I would have done it the 1st time...but I know most engines that came with MLS gaskets already have a smooth RA and dont need any sealer...if it's on an old fiber head and block then you may or may not need the sealer..imho it cant hurt. ;)it only takes a VERY very small amount..dont over do it.

[53 willys]

if your RA finish on your head and block are not fine/smooth enough it may take aviation gasket sealer to get it to seal....they were not originally set up for that fine of a RA so there is a chance it wont seal...like mine did not...I took mine back off aviation gasket sealed both sides and it's been holding fine.

my .02

you used the same gasket again with sealer?

it was a $167 dollar custom gasket...yes I ordered two..but I did not wanna use both my new high dollar gaskets.


also the gasket had only been ran around the block..I came back and found a very small coolant seep that was leaking on the back of the head...I had nothing to lose so I tried it. I also think the gasket had not been FULLY crushed to spec even though I did TQ to spec....it took aviation gasket sealer and 110ftlbs on my studs to seal it...

[fatmobile]

I was also wondering if ARP cosworth headstuds are better than stock 12mm headbolts when using these metal headgaskets
 so I'm glad you brought up torquing the headstuds/bolts.
 I was reading over on TDI club about torqueing ARP headstuds with a metal gasket and remember your encounter with them.
 
 Aviation sealer if the surface isn't perfect?
 The block was surfaced and looks great.

 but I don't like to surface a head if it doesn't need it; having an overhead cam and all.
 and it didn't look bad.
 
 What does RA mean?

[53 willys]

I was also wondering if ARP cosworth headstuds are better than stock 12mm headbolts when using these metal headgaskets
 so I'm glad you brought up torquing the headstuds/bolts.
 I was reading over on TDI club about torqueing ARP headstuds with a metal gasket and remember your encounter with them.
 
 Aviation sealer if the surface isn't perfect?
 The block was surfaced and looks great.

 but I don't like to surface a head if it doesn't need it; having an overhead cam and all.
 and it didn't look bad.
 
 What does RA mean?

it's hard to say what's pefrect??? MLS RA(roughness average ) is really really really smooth


recomended MLS RA is 50 or higher...how you know what you got.....i have no clue..

[FineFrank]

I was also wondering if ARP cosworth headstuds are better than stock 12mm headbolts when using these metal headgaskets
 so I'm glad you brought up torquing the headstuds/bolts.
 I was reading over on TDI club about torqueing ARP headstuds with a metal gasket and remember your encounter with them.
 
 Aviation sealer if the surface isn't perfect?
 The block was surfaced and looks great.

 but I don't like to surface a head if it doesn't need it; having an overhead cam and all.
 and it didn't look bad.
 
 What does RA mean?

Roughness Average. You can get it checked at any good engine rebuild shop. Last one I used was made by Federal Mogul. Aluminum and steel need a different RA to seal right.
If your machinist is worth his salt, the RA of both will be just fine. Won't hurt to check, tho.

Good explaination here:    http://www.aa1car.com/library/ar996.htm

[745 turbogreasel]

Frank says 6 RA on the TDI(metal gasket with teflon looking coating), and the head i just got back from him  is baby bottom smooth
http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=175661

[53 willys]

Frank says 6 RA on the TDI(metal gasket with teflon looking coating), and the head i just got back from him  is baby bottom smooth
http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=175661

thats a TRUE no need for sealer RA finish....my stock 1.6 block and head did not look even close to that....if your block and head dont look that good you may need sealer if you dont want to remove everything for machine work.
most MLS gaskets have a viton sealer on them..but if you surfaces are no looking super smooth then it's a risk.

[sdwarf36]

If you really feel the need to put something on your metal gasket, a light coat of spray copper gasket sealer won't hurt.