Question

[nissanh]

When you are replacing the head gasket, do you have to apply oil/lubricant to the head gasket and onto the engine block + cylinder head before tightening the head bolts? or does it has to be dry (no oil at all)?

 

[Whitson Metalworks]

i would imagine your head gasket kit would have some instruction for that. i havent done one on a toyota but every other time it was bone dry and as surgically clean as i could get it.

 

[nissanh]

Thanks Whitson. I just watch few videos on how to replace the head gasket and yes, it is dry and definitely clean. I really enjoy fixing my own car. Waiting for the T-belt and water pump.

 

[PitbullRescuer]

I didn't apply anything when I did them on my '00. Dry and clean. Never seen it done any other way either.

 

[quicksilvr]

Dry and clean. But on older MLS gaskets that don't have any coating, a coat of Permatex Copper Head Gasket spray is nice. Any kind of coated gasket or composite gasket should be dry and clean.

 

[shootmymime]

i would say dry, but i have seen a copper coating been put on some.

 

[nissanh]

Got my car back on the road on Monday. It runs like brand new. Thanks guy for all the support.