best head gasket for 3.0

[airshot]

I posted earlier in the year about replacing a head gasket on my1983 3.0 140 hp engine. With the nice weather in our area I decided today was the day to "git er done" Have the head pulled and sure enough the metal head gasket was burned thru between 2-3 cyl. Just a slight little burn thru where it is most thin. Anyway the head looks good other wise, sent it out to be cleaned up, flattened, new springs, valve seated etc. Now my question is.....with it being a somewhat common thing for this metal head gasket to burn thru, what would be the very best gasket to use? I figured the experts on here should be able to point me in the right direction as always. Is a stock Mercruiser head gasket the best or is there another that should be used? Will be bringing home a straight edge to check the block and have the manual and specs to reassemble after head work is done. Just need to know which gasket to use for sure...Thanks in advance

 

[Bt Doctur]

Fel-Pro

 

[fishrdan]

^^^ Yep, FelPro

They may have a "head-set" with all the necessary gaskets for replacing the head.

 

[Alumarine]

I believe the Felpro head gasket is 17000
The Felpro head set is 17200 which also includes the valve cover gasket and the push rod cover gasket.

 

[airshot]

Thanks guys I will look into those.......

 

[airshot]

Ok guys have the head back and all my gaskets are here so I am ready to reinstall the head. Now the service manual calls for a mercruiser brand of sealer for the head bolts, I have heard some say it is the best stuff to use and others have stated there were better products to use. So once again I seek information from those with far more experience....what would be the best sealer to use on the head bolts? Don't wanna do this again so I want to do it the best/correct way, Thanks

 

[Bondo]

Now the service manual calls for a mercruiser brand of sealer for the head bolts, I have heard some say it is the best stuff to use

Ayuh,.... Ouicksilver Perfect Seal is the same as Form-a-Gasket #3, available at any auto parts store, 'n most hardware stores,...

 

[Alumarine]

Ayuh,.... Ouicksilver Perfect Seal is the same as Form-a-Gasket #3, available at any auto parts store, 'n most hardware stores,...

Also called Aviation Form-a-Gasket #3 some places.

 

[fishrdan]

Aviation Form-A-Gasket #3, AKA - Permetex #80017.

Be sure the run a tap through all the block's head bolt holes and wire brush all the head bolt threads clean. Myself... I put a bit of sealant in the block's bolt holes, place gasket and head on engine, dip head bolts in sealant to cover the bolt ends, brush excess sealant off the threads, run bolts into block finger tight, then torque per spec.

 

[airshot]

Aviation Form-A-Gasket #3, AKA - Permetex #80017.

Be sure the run a tap through all the block's head bolt holes and wire brush all the head bolt threads clean. Myself... I put a bit of sealant in the block's bolt holes, place gasket and head on engine, dip head bolts in sealant to cover the bolt ends, brush excess sealant off the threads, run bolts into block finger tight, then torque per spec.

Yes, thanks for that reminder, but I did chase all the threaded holes and cleaned them out as well as wire brushed all the bolts. Just wanted to clarify the best sealant for use on the head bolts. Many thanks for all the responses.

 

[Bt Doctur]

I use the "4 step" approach to torquing head bolts instead of 3 steps to 90/Ft Lbs