HKS MHG Ply ?'s

[Wendigo]

Prepping my headgasket for install I ground out two rivits that looked to get in the way (had read that this may be an issue, why take a chance?) Anywho, with the rivits removed the three ply's separated nicely:
Am I correct in believing that this isn't a big deal?
And when I apply the permatex should I get all surfaces, or just the block/head mating sides?
What should I use to clean everything before application of goo and torque?
Thanks, Eric

 

[jdub]

Prepping my headgasket for install I ground out two rivits that looked to get in the way (had read that this may be an issue, why take a chance?) Anywho, with the rivits removed the three ply's separated nicely:
Am I correct in believing that this isn't a big deal?
And when I apply the permatex should I get all surfaces, or just the block/head mating sides?
What should I use to clean everything before application of goo and torque?
Thanks, Eric

It's fine with the rivets removed...just make sure it's on the two index pins on the block for proper alignment.

Assuming the MHG is new, you really don't want to spray it with anything. In fact, most MHG makers advise against it. New MHG's are usually coated with a thin layer of vitron rubber for the initial seal...spray can turn it in to a goo that does more harm than good.

Are you getting the head & block decked to the RA spec for the HKS MHG? If not, good luck...not prepping the block and head to a very low RA is a leading cause of MHG failure.

 

[Wendigo]

Block and head are prepped, MHG has no coating, so spray or not? Thanks

 

[jdub]

Block and head are prepped, MHG has no coating, so spray or not? Thanks

This is from the HKS site:

"HKS metal head gaskets are engineered to resist severe levels of heat that are generated by high-horsepower and high-boost applications. All HKS head gaskets are constructed with multiple layers of steel and coated with a special fluorine rubber to provide exceptional sealing. HKS head gaskets are designed to accommodate standard and certain oversized cylinder bores."

If it is new, it does have a coating...so to answer your question...no spray.

If it is used, different story...use the spray...most guys are using permatex brake quiet, but the copper spray should work too.

 

[Wendigo]

Huh.......Guess I'm gonna have to take another looksee, sure doesn't feel like it. But now it's time for work. Thanks Jdub