Wellseal on head gasket?

[TurboFource]

In Wilkins book he says to use Wellseal on the head gasket on a Twink but if you don't have fit it "dry"...
so is it needed or not? The gasket on mine does not look like it had anything on it and it handled over
10 pounds of boost....

[4129R]

I have never used any compound when fitting any head gasket, and some of my engines ran a CR of 12.5:1.

I was always told to clean both surfaces scrupulously and fit them dry.

[jbcollier]

I coat whatever head gasket I'm fitting with Permatex Hi Tack Spray-A-Gasket.  Been doing it for decades.  No issues.

[BDA]

I used a spray on Permatex sealer (probably the same thing JB uses) on my sandwiched copper head gaskets when I was racing and it seemed to work fine. I was told that Cometec head gaskets are supposed to be installed dry. I followed those instructions on my motor so far without problem - but then my CR is only 10.5:1. As I remember, the instructions were to the effect that I wouldn't have to use any sealant or preparation. I would guess it wouldn't hurt to use the spray on a Cometec gasket and might do a little good.

[TurboFource]

As always, thanks for the reply gentlemen!

[69merc]

If you have the Dave Bean catalog, it has excellent tips on building a twink engine.  If I remember correctly they recommended some wellseal just around the oil return hole toward the front of the engine block.  That’s all I did.

[TurboFource]

I do have one, will revisit it.

[BDA]

Turbo, I got my Cometec gaskets from DBE.

They have A LOT of experience building TC motors, not sure if that includes turbos though.

[jbcollier]

The idea behind Wellseal or Permatex is not to seal compression but to stop oil and coolant weeping.

[GavinT]

I've never used Wellseal mostly because it wasn't available in Oz, back in the day – it seemed to be more an English thing.

Here in Oz, STAG jointing compound was the go (still have an old tube somewhere) until Permatex Aviation No. 3 came along which was a bit thinner and became more favourable.

Now I see Wellseal advertised as STAG Wellseal!
So, my question is; is this modern STAG Wellseal somewhat thicker than Aviation No. 3?