Is hylomar OK to use on Elring composite gaskets?

[Anthony Violi]

Refitting heads using Elring gaskets. Should I use hylomar?

[P38 4.6 Timmy]

Hey Anthony.

It's not needed, composite gaskets already have a special coating bonded to them. I'm pretty sure Hylomar is not recommended for such gaskets as the chemicals/solvents in it can have an adverse effect on the gasket coating.

I've never used it on composite or "mono torque" gaskets. If you've had the heads skimmed if they needed it, and the deck surface is dead flat and everything is as clean as a whistle, you will be good to go.

Good luck

Cheers, Timmy.

[Anthony Violi]

Cheers Timmy,
I've had heads skimmed, the block deck has been cleaned but still has marks on it not mirror finish. What is the best way to clean block deck?

[bee utey]

I clean block faces with a plastic kitchen scourer pad dampened with a bit of soapy water, followed by a spray of electrical contact cleaner and finally a thorough wipe down with a clean cotton rag. When the rag doesn't pick up any colour off the block you're done. Make sure the head bolt threads in the block have been thoroughly emptied of crap before you do the block face though. Compressed air or a 7/16" UNC plug tap for that.

[P38 4.6 Timmy]

Yep...exactly wot Ol' mate said ^^^

Never use any powered mechanical means, such as a pneumatic 90 degree die grinder with scotch pads or any similar tool...they can remove too much material before you even know it, and then you'll never get a proper seal.

A razor blade scraper is good for removing old gasket gunk, then basically follow bee utey's method, at the final stage I usually use a clean rag soaked in acetone...it's a very strong solvent..plus I always have it around coz I do a bit of fibreglass work..but contact cleaner, thinners, turps, or whatever solvent you have on hand is fine.

Just take your time, you don't want to scratch or gouge the deck surface, and you'll be sweet.

Cheers, Timmy.

[TheTree]

I think it was RAVE that specifically said not to use razor blades or metal scrapers on the alloy

We used hard plastic scrapers, with kerosene and finished off with, 400, 800 and then 1200 wet or dry paper

Steve

[P38 4.6 Timmy]

That's good advice Steve, the aluminium is very easy to scratch or gouge.

Cheers, Timmy.