[Land-speed] Copper head gaskets

[drmayf]

On ARP, yup all head stuff is 1/2 inch studs and bottom is as well 
(maybe 7/16 on mains).  All torqued to spec.

mayf
Rick Byrnes wrote:

> John started this, so lets talk about "O" rings.
>
> In the 80's I used a metallic O ring to seal combustion.  This 
> requires a counterbore in the cylinder so the ring is supported all 
> around, and can be squeezed about 20 %.  The hollow 1/6" dia tube O 
> rings were filled with "I think argon", but the manufacturers will not 
> disclose, nor will they talk about their manufacturing process.  This 
> is near perfect sealing of combustion gasses unless the cylinder head 
> lifts because of cylinder pressures exceeding clamping load.
> You guys know all about that stuff, because we all buy ARP studs and 
> nuts. Right Doc?  :=d
>
> The elastomer o rings also need to be squeezed about 20% and really 
> need to be contained in a counterbore or groove which is what I did so 
> there was no head gasket per se.  I suppose that if you used a copper 
> head gasket that was the proper thickness and created openings that 
> provide support for the o rings it may actually work, however you 
> still need to meter the water transfer from block to head. (or head to 
> block)
> Ready made gaskets have done that for you.
> Cometic has such a gasket now that uses the metallic O rings with the 
> remainder of the gasket being their conventional MLS.  The same 
> surface finish requirements would be important.  The metallic o ring 
> supplier is Helicoflex.  They have been in the business for years, and 
> I began working with them in the mid 80's. (introduced them to the 
> automotive business).
>
> More in another note.  I can't remember what size is max and don't 
> have the patience to write too many, but want to do this now.
>
> Rick