Perkins 4-108 Stuck Cylinder Head

[Quadrille in JB]

While I have the attention of all of you experts I have another question
.
What, if anything should I use on the block and head surfaces when I install a new head gasket? Nothing, grease or particular sealer?

I've rebuilt many gas engines but my diesels have always been reliable so this is the first time I've had to reassemble the top end of a diesel.
thanks
Bill in Jensen Beach

[jpendoley]

For my rebuild the gasket went on dry. Head is not supposed to be milled though the block may be flattened. Remember head should be retorquedwat least once or twice after a short running period.

[CORALSEA TRAMP]

I have frequently come across this problem--much more so with alloy heads
The simple method is to use a hollow hole saw--size for size bore and 1/16 thick and cut the rust or corrosion out--Big hammers are for rail spikes !!

[Quadrille in JB]

Long thin hole saw sounds good for alloy heads
I kind of assumed that modern head gaskets have a surface coating to allow surface conformity and minimize surface creep but I’m not certain is why I’m asking
Thanks to all of you for taking the time to help me out
Bill in Jensen Beach

[Culwatty]

Originally Posted by Quadrille in JB

While I have the attention of all of you experts I have another question
.
What, if anything should I use on the block and head surfaces when I install a new head gasket? Nothing, grease or particular sealer?

I've rebuilt many gas engines but my diesels have always been reliable so this is the first time I've had to reassemble the top end of a diesel.
thanks
Bill in Jensen Beach

Permatex copper gasket spray, i use it on every head gasket (ex mechanic) including 900hp cummins 6bt build

Ref the emergency head gasket sealers, it get onto everything thermostat water pump etc, best one to use is steel seal. But only if you are really in the doo doo!

[sandy stone]

Originally Posted by Cheechako

Curious, why cant the head be surfaced?

I'm curious too. Surely the valves can't be that close to the pistons?

[Quadrille in JB]

I’ve used the permatex copper before on gas engines and liked it
Thanks

[jpendoley]

I believe it has to do with the piston clearance.

[kcoplan]

This is a great thread for someone (like me) trying to remove a cylinder head for the first time. Here is a trick suggested by a friend who has removed diesel heads before - use a cedar shim to wedge the head apart from the block without damaging the face of the head. It worked for me, along with several hours of tapping an carefully prying and rigging a lift with the boom and the main sheet on my Hood 38.