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Copper Head Gaskets Why use a Copper Head Gasket? A "copper" head gasket is used on engines primarily to seal extremely high cylinder pressures. Traditional composite style gaskets and multi-layered steel gaskets cannot withstand the tremendous combustion gas pressures generated by today's high output motors. The typical transition point is around 2 HP per cubic inch of displacement. Most Nitrous ad-ons, alcohol fuel and other alternate fuel engines will typically push high output engines into this HP range requiring a copper head gasket and wire o-ring sealing solution. Other good reasons for using a copper head gasket include:
Plain copper head gaskets do not seal fluids very well. That's why Flatout Copper Head Gaskets use our exclusive Rubber Coated Copper, RCC. The biggest problem with a solid metal gasket, like copper, is that it does not conform well to mating surfaces of the head and block. We have developed RCC to specifically address this problem. How do I prepare to use Copper Head Gaskets? We recommend that all copper head gaskets be installed on engines with machined "o-ring" grooves and stainless steel wire o-rings. This groove is traditionally done in the engine block. Typical wire diameter is .041" in a .039" wide x .029" deep groove resulting in a wire standup of .012". This is used in combination with a .040" thick copper gasket (about 4 times the wire standup). For engines at or above 3 HP per cubic inch of displacement, the combustion seal should be enhanced. For this we recommend a receiver groove opposite the o-ring, typically in the cylinder heads. See your engine builder for other options and machining details. What do I look for at time of Gasket Installation? Visually inspect the fit of the gasket to the head and block. Do I need to Retorque the Head Gasket Joint? Yes, we recommend that all copper head gaskets be put through a heat cycle and then retorqued for proper seating of the wire o-ring. The heat cycle should be done with no pressure in the cooling system. Let the engine cool and then retorque. We recommend that the bolt/nut be cracked loose and then retightened to specification following the same torque sequence pattern. Can I reuse Copper Head Gaskets with RCC, Rubber Coated Copper? Yes. Check the Rubber Coating for scratched or damaged locations. If the coating looks intact simply reassemble. If the coating is damaged in small locations, just clean with light solvent and apply silicone RTV to the damage areas, let cure and reassemble engine. Replace the gasket if badly damaged. Check the combustion o-ring groove in the gasket and look for clean, sharp edges. If the gasket looks good, then replace in the exact location from where it was removed. If the grooves are rounded, beat down or show signs of combustion leakage, replace the gasket. If there are any additional questions call our TECH LINE toll free 877-837-9200 or Contact Us. |
| 664 Tower Rd Mundelein, IL 60060 | Toll Free 877.837.9200 | Fax.847.837.9628 |