New V6 head gasket - sealer or no sealer?

[dingbat]

I picked up the new heads gasket for my 97 200hp Ocean Pro. The gasket is shiny on one side and has some sort of a grey sealing "band" around the perimeter of the bolt holes on the ?block side?.

The head has been machined but the block sealing surface is much to be desired. I got the block back into fairly decent condition but I could use all the help I could get to make sure it seals.

Can I use sealer on the gasket and if so would Permatex Aviation do the job or is there a better ?less than perfect? sealing surface compound?

 

[BaileysBoat]

Re: New V6 head gasket - sealer or no sealer?

What does the shop manual say ?

If it was a car or truck engine absolutely not unless called for. Gasket sealing technology is very advanced these days. Using sealant where it's not called for could cause the gasket to fail.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: New V6 head gasket - sealer or no sealer?

Some sealers can / migt allow the material imbedded in the gasket to not stick to the metal. Particularily if you use an aresol spray sealer. If you use the OMC / BRP Gasket Sealer (in the can with a brush in the lid) it will be fine.

FYI - be really careful about cutting the head. If it was cut more than .010" you may run into some issues.

 

[mthieme]

Re: New V6 head gasket - sealer or no sealer?

I use Permatex Indian Head Gasket Shellac Compound with few exceptions.
Hundreds of heads, 100% success.