cometic head gaskets

[Alan Roehrich]

That isn't a torque problem, most likely. More apt to be warpage or finish. Adding torque is not the solution.

[Ed Wright]

Originally Posted by Alan Roehrich

That isn't a torque problem, most likely. More apt to be warpage or finish. Adding torque is not the solution.

I have used & reused those for a few years now, with no issues. I'm with Alan.

[FED 387]

Have you ever checked the block and head for flatness? Recently? Also Cometic will tell you to use the "torque specs " that the head bolt or head stud manufacturer recommends SBC usually is 65 but if you are using ARP because of the lube they use to install the studs I'm sure you have to go higher --Even tho Cometic does not recommend it have you tried re torquing the heads to see if they are in spec just in case you mighta missed one-- However if its the ends leaking most likely the heads are not truly flat and might need to be resurfaced--FED 387

[Ed Wright]

^^^^^^^ Never heard of anybody using 75 lbs either.

[RICK W]

Removed intake, leaking in the middle inside also, deck surface too rough for those gaskets I suspect

[Ed Wright]

Originally Posted by RICK W

Removed intake, leaking in the middle inside also, deck surface too rough for those gaskets I suspect

They need a smooth finish. I have seen corner automotive machine shops with cutters on their head & block miles set up for a rough finish. Ridges. Not what we need.

[ss3011]

This is a question on what to do about this problem . If its found that the surface finish is too rough , what can be done to correct this or make due with it . I am thinking that the engine has already been setup with the correct deck height and combustion chamber volume so if the block was re-decked, to correct the surface finish, then it might not pass tech , same with the heads . Can some sort of sealer be used like Permatex Copper Gasket Sealer ? I recently disassembled an engine with Cometic head gaskets and there was no gasket sealer on the head gaskets . Is this normal for Cometic gaskets ?

[Jeff Niceswanger]

Originally Posted by Ed Wright

^^^^^^^ Never heard of anybody using 75 lbs either.

Gulius always has us use 72 with lube Ed ,,,, All his motors are studded

[RICK W]

It is studded and I torqued up to 85 with oil on threads, still seeping. I have never had a block machined this rough always smooth. I had composition gaskets in it before. Seems strange that I believe the owner before me used cometic gaskets. Will have to go back to regular gaskets.

[Ed Wright]

Originally Posted by Jeff Niceswanger

Gulius always has us use 72 with lube Ed ,,,, All his motors are studded

I use 70 with lube. But, Gulius would know. If I could afford it, I would have one of his instead of my home made engine.
And, the surface finish, Cometic told me I need a smooth finish. Those rough ones like composite gaskets better.