Engine head gasket

[Dinadin]

I am about to remove the engine head and replace the gasket on my halftrack. Do I need to put in gasket sealer on it before hand?  Hopefully replacing the head gasket will fix the problem I had this summer.  It had sat over the summer and when I got it started there was anti-freeze in the exhaust.  I had always had a minor leak around the head, but I think it finally failed.  It seemed to run fine otherwise, not that I ran it for very long.

[spec4don]

Don't take the chance, be sure and drain the engine oil. It doesn't take much antifreeze to wipe your bearings out. Hope it's not too much of a major repair.

Don G

[steve-0]

some nos head gaskets have a coating of wax or something on them. remove this with acetone (or something like that).
then use a copper sealer. you can get this at most automotive supply stores.
http://www.apmengineparts.com/80697.html?productid=80697&channelid=FROOG

[Dinadin]

I was getting the gasket ready to put on today and I tried using acetone to get the lacquer off.  Do I need to soak it in acetone to get it off? 

[steve-0]

i wouldn't soak it in anything.
you may try paint thinner.  try to avoid air chisels and grinders