Head Gasket Question

[RichV]

Does anyone use a sealant on their head gaskets? I haven't in the past but I've read it could be good insurance. Is it really needed on the XS1100 engine?

It would seem to me it would just make a mess if it gets in the cylinder and would cause the gasket to fall apart if you have to remove the head shortly after installation.

Also, I'm a firm believer in the power of spray cooking oil on gaskets that need to be reused but I don't do it to the head gasket. Does anyone here do that in place of a sealant?

[vanimal5k]

Head Gasket

The few times I reused a head gasket. I coated both sides with Permatex Ultra Copper Spray. Never had any leaks.

[bikerphil]

If it is a new gasket, I myself have never used any sealant. Never had any problems.

[RichV]

Yes, it's a new gasket. The copper sealant seems to be good insurance because of it's heat transfer qualities. Just curious to see what everyone else did. I had bad rings so I tore it down again and the head gasket pulled apart. Mainly because I used a sealant. I'm just wondering if it's really necessary.

[BowlingSS]

I just used Permatex Ultra Copper Spray on mine. This stuff works great. I also used it on my LS1 head gasket.

Good luck.
Bill

[trbig]

Nope, have never used sealant. No need to. The head gasket isn't subject to any oil pressure.

[Radioguylogs]

I don't use sealant on any of my gaskets (especially head gaskets)- that's what the gasket is for.

I hate scraping off the mess and damaging the soft aluminum.

I don't have any trouble with leaks.

[RichV]

I went ahead and installed it without any sealant. None of the gaskets on this engine have any sealant just the case seam. I tried it on the head gasket before and hated the cleanup required when I had to reopen the cylinders to replace the rings.

Thanks again for all the good advice.