To use or not to use gasket sealer on a Payen cylinder head gasket

[sujitroy]

I have a set of Payen head gaskets that I plan to use. With Payen gaskets should I still use a gasket sealer like Wellseal between head and gasket and between head and block?

ISTR that Payen gaskets have some special material on the surface that creates a seal.

For you US folks on the forum, is there an American equivalent to Wellseal?


Sujit

[Motorsport Micky]

In reverse order last question first - yes Shellack. There will be different variations across the country but you need a non setting slightly sticky sealer under compression like...err shellack.
Next as far as I know and having used Payen gaskets for 30 years with a variety of cars ...NO
Yes...still use a non setting sticky sealer like ...err Wellseal, it CANNOT hurt anything but increases the "grab" of the gasket to both block and head...use it.

Micky

[barkerwilliams]

Sujit,

Has the head been skimmed and the block decked or are both surfaces covered with fragments of old sealer, scratches from trying to remove old sealer and other aids to a good seal?

If so a sealer can only assist the seal of a gasket across the imperfect surfaces..

Alan

[hvtr]

Hi Sujit,

Use Hylomar Blue, Amazon has it. Apply to side facing head, not side facing manifold. Follow Hylomar instructions to let evaporate.
Done this successfully on mine, no leaks. Bonus of Hylomar if you have to do it again: removes easily with acetone
Henri

[sujitroy]

The heads need work and I will have the work done. The block has not been decked. I will offer up the gasket on the block and see where there is no contact. I'm assuming there are slight variations in gasket and pattern.
In US, 3M makes this product called ROLOC. its like a wire brush but looks like its made of plastic. I'm using this to clean the face of the block. I also YouTube'd some videos and this is what people are using. Over US side anyway.

Henri, I am not clear on what you said "not side facing manifold." Can you please clarify?

Sujit

[StagJonno]

In the absence of Henri's reply, I read it that he's taking the viewpoint of the gasket itself - ie apply between gasket and head, but not between gasket and manifold.

Jonno

[dasadrew]

???? The head gasket sits between the head and the block; what manifold are you talking about?

Whilst I used to be a fan of Blue Hylomar, I'd hesitate to use it on a head gasket as it tends to stay quite fluid-like over the years. Having said that I know of no experience of it in that situation - good or bad. The Payen gaskets do indeed have a sticky sort of coating on them as standard.

[Kithmo]

In the absence of Henri's reply, I read it that he's taking the viewpoint of the gasket itself - ie apply between gasket and head, but not between gasket and manifold.

Jonno

Sounds to me like he's talking about the inlet manifold joint ?

[dasadrew]

Weird place for a head gasket though!

[Mark Serj]

I would let the Payen head gasket do its job by itself. If you have sufficient worries to think you need additional sealant, at the block to head joint, maybe some deck / head face rework is required?

[trunt]

I would let the Payen head gasket do its job by itself. If you have sufficient worries to think you need additional sealant, at the block to head joint, maybe some deck / head face rework is required?

+1 on that..

[hvtr]

It is definitely between the inlet manifold and the head I am referring to, no head gasket in this discussion
The Hylomar I used provides a perfect seal there, no more water leaks between inlet manifold and heads

[dasadrew]

It is definitely between the inlet manifold and the head I am referring to, no head gasket in this discussion
The Hylomar I used provides a perfect seal there, no more water leaks between inlet manifold and heads

The thread title and original post refers to the head gasket!

[richardthestag]

anyway, back to head gaskets.

My block has not been decked even though it has all manner of weird marks and scuffs on it, none are anywhere near the fire ring area. I used wellseal on the block face, heads had been skimmed and were smooth so didnt bother on that side.

Before torquing up the heads fit the inlet manifold with gaskets, the right way round and with wellseal (other brands are available) on all faces