Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

Hi gents, Does anyone have an opinion as to what type of head gasket is best to use on a 385 ? Copper? Composite? MLS?

Also, any opinions on use of sealant? I have been advised NEVER to use sealant on MLS gaskets with silicone or viton bonded to the outer layers.

The standard OEM-type gasket, a copper/steel composite sandwich is the only way to go. Forget solid copper and polymeric or rubber types, failure rates are pretty high. If the mating surfaces are flat, true and smooth no sealant is needed. If you prefer, no disadvantage in using one of tbe copperized head gasket sealants.

Perfect seal gasket paste is still available and wonder what the formulation differences might be over the years or between modern gasket cements and the Perfect Seal product Packard was suggesting back in the day. There are several head gasket related articles like this one issued thru the 30s and 40s mentioning coating both sides of the gasket with Perfect Seal or a comparable paste and also to apply the coating of the paste on the studs.

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Thanks for your replies.

O_D, who stocks steel/copper OEM-head gaskets? Kanter and Merritt don't specify in their catalogues what type their head gaskets are. Olson's says theirs is copper.

HH56, is the gasket paste called "Perfect Seal Gasket Maker Sealant #4?"

Ive used quite a few of Kanter's gaskets, they are essentially an OEM duplicate. Also available from Egge. I'd assume Max's are as well. In fact I'm not aware of any source other than custom made for any other type of gasket.

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I think it may be but am not sure and is why I questioned if the formulations might have changed between then and now. The question is because Packard refers to it as a paste and the Perfect Seal description on the data sheet would lead me to believe it might be more liquid than what I would call a paste -- although it does have a fairly high solids content.

The list of places in the engine it is used as given on the Perfect Seal site sure looks like it fits the bill for everything and everywhere Packard suggested the mechanics apply the stuff.

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I highly recommend the Permatex copperized head gasket sealant in aerosol form - hang the gasket and spray both sides just prior to installation. Sure, other sealants will work but this is a gasket sealant made specifically for this purpose.

Olsons Gaskets (360) 871-1207. Port Orchard WA. I have purchased and used NOS head gaskets from them. Reasonable and nice people.
Andy