Topic: Head gasket sealer?

[Sellsme]

Seal or not to seal the head gasket? if you were to seal, then what would you use?

[DaveBarbier]

I used nothing on my 550. Dry and just really clean surfaces. But I used an OEM Honda head gasket. I heard from Hondaman that the OEMs have kind of an adhesive impregnated into it that's heat activated. So you'll want to get your bike nice and hot during it's first start.


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1978 Honda CB550K

[jonda500]

+1 I have never used any sealer on a head gasket - except for the old copper ones, they come with sealant already in the gasket as far as I know
A race car mechanic in the '80s told me that to prevent the head gasket from blowing in really hot weather they used to go to the local hardware store and buy the oldest dustiest tin of silver paint they could find, then without stirring or shaking it, open it up and carefully pour all the liquid out. Then coat the gasket both sides with the stuff left in the bottom of the can.