Hylomar on a HG, finger or brush application ok?

[TylerDurden]

I got a tube of Hylomar at my FLAPS... they did not have the aerosol.  (Seems PP in Auburn Hills is a rare seller of the spray, AutohausAZ can't/won't carry Hylomar.)

Any reason not to just lightly smear the HG (fiber) with the sealant from the tube?... Or, should I order the spray?

I do have the copper spray, but have read that Hylomar is the better choice.



Thx for your insight.

[theman53]

Love the Hylomar. I bought mine from an online motocycle place. I bought the aerosol as I am lazy. I have heard that it can be easily applied with a brush from the tube. I would use that tube you have or return it and get the spray if you don't like to work at it too long. The fiber gaskets usually don't need it, but it shouldn't hurt.

[ToddA1]

Last time I did it, I smeared it on the gasket.  Had to finger dab it all over the deck and head.  It was a pain.

You're supposed to use it like a contact cement, and I didn't want to be spraying it on the deck and head.

-Todd

[shorttimer]

I've been using Hylomar, for years, mainly on motorcycles. There's nothing else made that's quite like it and there is no substitute. It goes a long way. Until just moments ago, I didn't know there was a spray option. Also you could just drop by an Autozone & pick up a small tube for $5 but last time I purchased some it had to be thru an aircraft maintenance shop for $50 for about double the volume. If used properly the tube should last the rest of my life. You don't need much, just paper thin.

[rs899]

Yeah, I have about a third of a tube that's 20 years old.  Saving it for special occasions. 

I am putting a 1.6 NA together- hadn't thought of using on the head gasket.  Any scientific evidence of it doing any good?

[TylerDurden]

My reading of users' experiences is anything but scientific. That said, everything I read about Hylomar on HGs was/is positive.

My interest is in filling very minor pitting and scratches in the head and block. Mechanical surfacing is more risky, IMO.

The copper spray has garnered good user comments; but there is conjecture that the copper content may react with aluminum, plus the hardening of the copper sealant is problematic later.

[TylerDurden]

Last time I did it, I smeared it on the gasket.  Had to finger dab it all over the deck and head.  It was a pain.

You're supposed to use it like a contact cement, and I didn't want to be spraying it on the deck and head.

Wow... it dries in an instant. One swipe with the finger and that's it. Not really any working time

Spray would be easier, on the gasket at least.

I imagine ya get one-shot at dropping the head on straight.

[ToddA1]

Not really....  Although this stuff is solvent based it technically never dries.  It self heals.

Iirc, Rolls Royce made this formula to seal head gaskets for their plane head gaskets that had the issue of lifting.  That's why this stuff works.

-Todd

[rabbid79]

Last time I did it, I smeared it on the gasket.  Had to finger dab it all over the deck and head.  It was a pain.

You're supposed to use it like a contact cement, and I didn't want to be spraying it on the deck and head.

Wow... it dries in an instant. One swipe with the finger and that's it. Not really any working time

Spray would be easier, on the gasket at least.

I imagine ya get one-shot at dropping the head on straight.

My experience with the spray on Hylomar was that it only took a few minutes for it to get tacky.  I sprayed on a heavy coat, but only on the gasket, not the head or block.  I wouldn't spray it on the block or head, that will just make a big mess, and contaminate everything.  It has held up perfectly for more than 15K miles.

Like was said, it's supposed to re-seal instantly and forever.  So theoretically, if the head didn't go on straight you could easily reposition it no problem.

I would suggest that you just buy the spray.

[TylerDurden]

Yeah, it does seem to stay tacky after the acetone evaporates out of it. Pretty aggressive tack I imagine, if two applied surfaces are joined.

My plan was, if using the tube, to apply to the head and block, not the HG. Or, if using the spray, just apply to the gasket.