Head gaskets and timing chain covers

[gedmeyer]

I just got my rebuilt block and heads from the shop today and I'm hoping to assemble the two before the big feast tomorrow. I've got the felpro gasket set (ks-2600) and i was wondering if I needed to put sealant on the head gasket. The '81 service manual says something about doing so with metal gaskets. If it means anything, the new head gaskets are blue with metal only around the edges and around the bores.

Also, is there anywhere that I can get a non-chrome timing chain cover? I've got a bigger balancer on my engine now because of the 383 stroker setup and it doesn't fit under the tab on the old cover. Most of the covers I've seen are chromed and don't have the tab. How are the tabs affixed?

I'm a bit of a newbie when it comes to the nitty gritty about engine work. All I have to do is bolt the heads, intake, timing cover and oil pan on and i'm gonna have one hell of a stroker!

 

[tazdevl35]

I use ultra copper marine head gasket spray.Call me crazy but I have never had a head gasket leak in all the years I have been doing this for a living.Some guys use indian head to coat gaskets and bolts but I find it to be very messy. I use the copper spray and the teflon liquid sealer for the bolts and I have zero comebacks.

BTW the timing cover tab will bolt to the timing cover edge bolts..you have to specify 6 or 8 inch balancer in order to get the right tab.It will only go on one way.

Taz :cool

 

[jfb4548]

Fel-Pro Blue

If you have the blue Fel-Pros Blue...don't need to your anything. That what the blue is! You do however need to use some sort of sealer on the headbolts! Clean the head and block surfaces with something to remove any oils or dirt before assembly...Thinner works ok.

These gaskets should work well on a street - motor. If you run alot of compression as in a race motor their not the best choice. HiPo Small blocks can have problems on the middle two cylinders were the extreem heat from the exhaust valves side by side can 'burn' through the gasket and in worse case the head casting.

Make sure all parts are clean and dry! Follow the torque sequence and tighten the bolts in stages.

Peace

 

[gedmeyer]

Sounds good. I've already got the teflon bolt sealant. Is the torque sequence in the service manual? I didn't see it. All I recall reading was to keep chasing the bolts until they are all torqued.

I'm going to be running a 9.6:1 CR and it's a street car, so I wouldn't expect gasket problems.

 

[jfb4548]

You better find a Chiltons or something equal. I don't remeber off hand but it's starts in the center and works around....It's important to follow the pattern!

Look here

http://www.torquespecs.com/

 

[jfb4548]

Don't forget to put a good moly break-in lube on the lifters...and don't let it idle till you get the cam & lifters broken-in. 2500rpm for 15 mins. is the ticket!

Oh and water in the radiator! Sound dumb but kinda important! Fill the motor with water by removing the top hose from the thermostat housing. Stick hose in top hose. Make sure radiator cap is tight. It will help push any trapped air out of the block and heads.

Get yourself a oilpump primer shaft and a power drill to prime the oil pump and motor. Spin the pump till you get oil pressure then crank motor with starter a second or two to get everything ready to rumble!

Good luck!

 

[gedmeyer]

Hey, thanks! I forgot I had a chilton's manual, so I used that. I got one of the heads on now. Looks sharp as it's coming together! Too bad all of the auto stores are closed today b/c I need to replace one bolt and get some more bolt sealant for the other side!

 

[Jack]

the new head gaskets are blue ........ anywhere that I can get a non-chrome timing chain cover ..... because of the 383 stroker setup and it doesn't fit under the tab on the old cover

Blue head gaskets don't need any sealant/extra coating.

Did the stroker thing also ... bigger 400 balancer. I found a good used OEM timing cover off a 400 ... it has tab attached (tacked) from factory ... try your GM dealer for a new one. One of the best aftermarket covers I've seen (&used on race motors) are the ones that CV Products makes ... they’re very strong, heavy gage & straight (USA made) CV1185 is the spider-web/early OE type & CV1185-S has a strap welded in ... both have a gold-zinc wash ... looks super ... or you can paint it... they’re real good covers ... CV also has they're own real nice 12-point fasteners in gold-zinc ... just as good or better than ARP. Timing tabs for their covers are separate & bolt into two of the tc bolts. The tc with the strap is real good if you’re running a cam button. Aside from an OE tc, you can’t beat CV for great fit.

www.cvproducts.com

http://66.155.51.113/products/specList.aspx?brandCat=200

http://66.155.51.113/products/showPic.aspx?prodID=1669

http://66.155.51.113/products/showPic.aspx?prodID=1670