TRD MLS head gasket + Hylomar spray? Advice?

[TERRA Operative]

Ok, I'm putting my 20v silvertop 4AGE back together and I have a question.

The block and head have been faced, and I am using a TRD MLS head gasket.
I have a can of Hylomar spray and I am wondering if I should use it, and if so, do I just spray it on the outer surfaces of the head gasket, or should I separate the layers and coat it all up?

[dnegative]

If the head and block have been machined MLS gaskets should be installed dry. Lots of people spray MLS gaskets with hylomar or copper coat without issue but unless the manufacturer directs you to do so its not recommended.

Most people use it in slightly dodgy situations to mask imperfections or when reusing gaskets

[andrew_mx83]

most MHG's have some sort of coating on them already so hylomar not really needed unless you are using the gasket for the 2nd time

[TERRA Operative]

Cool. This is a brand new gasket (I don't reuse gaskets, the cost of a potential failure outweighs any saving by reuse), so I'll clean the block and head real well and do it dry.

Thanks!

[andrew_mx83]

MHG's are pretty good to reuse i believe. obviously never reuse a graphite one lol

you should be able to see/feel the coating on the gasket when you pull it out of the pack, if it feels like bare steel then you may need to reassess. most ive seen have a slightly soft black coating on em

[TERRA Operative]

I did reuse a graphite one *once* on my 4AGZE.
It was a weekend and I lifted the head to rebuild it, but I had no replacement. (shops shut etc).
So instead, I made sure not to disturb the remains of the gasket on the head and just torqued it back down with the original bolts.
Held 13psi for years, and is still in one piece today.
I just never got around to replacing it.....

I don't do that sort of thing anymore.....

[andrew_mx83]

haha thats awesome. ive pulled a few graphite ones off that were still good enough to reuse, but never been desperate enough to pull em out of the cupboard lol

[TERRA Operative]

Yeah, that engine is off the road now, still working when I stuck the car in the backyard. Once this build is done and I've got a daily again, the 4AGZE will be getting a little (read: a LOT) of love.

[fixeruperer]

i use a light coat on my head gaskets.

[mattysshop]

the TRD gaskets have a black teflon type coating.... personal opinion.. i've fitted a few with and without Hylomar... not really any difference..