Q: Last year I needed to replace the head gasket and I did so using a “premium” type. The graphite one with the red silicone stripes. Afterwards I read everywhere that they have a bad reputation and almost always fail. After installation I retorqued about 9 times until the values held consistently. I have driven about 800 miles since whiteout issue. So, I was wondering if I should replace it preventively with another graphite gasket of the BEST brand. Or should I run to failure and carry a copper one under the seat?
Many thanks in advance,
– Pieter
A: If it is sealing now, I would leave it. If the block and head surfaces are perfectly flat, this style gasket actually will seal. Check the head nut torque values again after a month or two. They don’t usually loosen up with this style head gasket, once you have them firmly seated, but it is worth a quick check. If you plan to drive very far from home, yes, I would carry a replacement head gasket with you as a spare. It can be either the “copper sandwich” style or the Best “Graf-tite” style. Either works well. Use a sealing spray on the copper gasket, install the Graf-tite gasket dry. Good luck, enjoy driving, and Have a Wonderful Model A New Year!
– Jim Cannon
