Composite Head gaskets...

[mark030358]

Hi there,
In the process of changing to a casette water pump I took the engine out etc etc. On removing the remnants of the head gasket I found that there must have been some small "water creep" around ALL the water holes (on the fuel pump side of the engine). It was only light surface rust and has cleaned up fine. When I put the engine together 2000 miles ago the head and block had been faced and they were spotless, oil free etc.

I used an Adjusa composite gasket. Has anyone experienced this before?? So now the dilema is what type of gasket to use, another composite or standard copper ??

I will post some photos when I get a minute.

thanks

Mark

[mark030358]

here are some photo's of what I described above....

[rgh0]

While I sometimes see a little rust on the composite gasket metal layer itself especially where the gasket is used to reduce the water passage size I dont normally see any on the block like in your photo.

Attached a photo of a block top face I have just stripped, no rust just deposits from the gasket I am yet to clean off. It did 4 years duty as my racing engine then sat for 4 years as spare. Now going back together as a fresh race engine.

I often see more corrosion expecially to the alloy head with the copper and steel sheet original style gasket. I suspect its got more to do with the coolant corrosion inhibitors used than the gasket used.

[brian wilson]

Rohan

In your opinion and vast experience, what is the best corrosion inhibitor to use and the mix ratio?

Regards

Brian Wilson

[mark030358]

Rohan,
Had the same answer from Brian Clarke re anti freeze and corrosion inhibitors. I can't be sure what I used as the old bottle went in the bin (for recycle of course).

So now I'm going to but the IAT antifreeze, or Bluecol for a trade name as they say theirs is IAT.

cheers

Mark

[rgh0]

I use the Australian made Nulon Long Life ( Green coloured) coolant at 33%. Keeps both heads and blocks well protected in my experience. Not sure if its available elsewhere in the world. Just buy the best coolant you can find and change it regularly. Use the red coolant if you have an Aluminium radiator and blue or green if you have the orginal soldered copper style radiator

One other thing I forgot to mention. The composite gaskets I use here are made by a local Melbourne guy ( HJ Head gaskets). They have a heavy coat of what looks like an aluminium paint which perhaps helps the seal and prevents coolant penetration through the composite material.

cheers
Rohan

[ceejay]

HJ Gaskets make a world class product, I also have been using them for decades, would not use
anything else. Find contact details at this link: http://www.elantrikbits.com/links.html
Col