Which wire for an O-ring

[Bill Dedman]

Our slant six/turbo blew a head gasket last week, showing 50# compression on #1 cylinder and 60# on number 2/ Those numbers have always been 160/160 in the past.


We are going to take the hint and install O-rings around the cylinders, but have heard varying opinions about which wire to use; copper or stainless steel.

Any opinions?

Prine???

Any information will be appreciated.

 

[MiradaMegaCab]

www.scegaskets.com
Has a tech page. Click on, Gasket U.

 

[Bill Dedman]

www.scegaskets.com
Has a tech page. Click on, Gasket U.

Great information!!!

Thanks for posting the link!!!:cheers:

 

[srixon4406]

Bill I used the copper wire that comes in the kit. I've heard some guys recommend stainless steel. I've had the head off three times since then and the shape of the wire in the receiver groove hasn't distorted at all.
Aaron

 

[Charrlie_S]

I have stainless in my turbo 170 engine. They are the original ones installed in 1979.

 

[cascius]

I don't know much about forced induction gas engines, but when I was at the Diesel performance shop we used .053" Stainless piano wire to o-ring cylinder heads. Held 80psi of boost with no issues.

 

[MiradaMegaCab]

Im running SS wire in the heads, receiver grooves in the block and SCE Pro Copper head gaskets on a Roots blown SB Mopar. 6 psi of boost with a 150 shot of N2o, never had this type of gasket fail.

 

[Bill Dedman]

I have stainless in my turbo 170 engine. They are the original ones installed in 1979.

That says a lot for longevity!

 

[goldmember]

Stainless wire copper head gaskets.