Copper vs Laminated Steel Head Gaskets 1

[Windsor377]

I'm about to begin a new engine project. In the past I've used SCE deadsoft copper head gaskets with a hylomar spray coating to prevent coolant and oil seepage.

In the past year, laminated steel gaskets from a company called Comtic have become popular. I'm wondering if I should give them a try.

Question, does anyone know if these gaskets help or hurt thermal transfer between the block and the head?

 

[Retracnic]

Windsor377

I have been using Cometic MLS (multi-layer steel) gaskets for several years now and am pleased with the product. I primarily deal with turbocharged small to medium displacement engines. I have successfully used these gaskets on engines producing in excess of 3 bar of boost pressure. On the suggestion of a colleague, I did experiment briefly with dead-soft copper gaskets but was never able to solve coolant seepage problems to my satisfaction.

As far as the heat transfer goes…

We can assume that a copper gasket will transfer more heat than a steel one. This is based on copper being a superior conductor to steel. Honestly though, I see that it makes very little difference. A large portion of the heat transferred from block to head occurs through the studs/bolts. Let us also not forget heating of the combustion chamber, exhaust gas to exhaust port heat transfers, and the circulation of the oil and coolant systems.

Different gasket materials may help or hinder the transfer of heat, but I feel the end result will be the same.

Good Luck

Bryan Carter

 

[Windsor377]

Bryan,

Thank you for the feedback. A lot of my recent projects have been large displacement small block V8s with a lot of nitous oxide.

I was concerned that a rapid tempurature rise in one or many cylinders might cause detonation. I think your experience puts my worries to rest.

From time to time, especially in the beginning we had a lot of seepage problems with copper gaskets. Since switching to hylomar spary the problems have gone away...fingers crossed.

Thanks again,
Henry

 

[ShaunT]

Cometic is good stuff. They and I have a mutual client:Mercruiser Marine.

Shaun TiedeULTRADYNE Arl,TX(stiede@ev1.net)