Having to replace head gaskets on my mom‘s 1994 GMC Sierra 2500 and overheated (she said it never went to the red zone) but got hot enough to blow the gaskets. Bought copper head gaskets because I‘ve read and told they‘re awesome. Can they handle an overheating engine (don‘t want to replace them again) and please put other pros or cons about copper head gaskets. Thanks.
Super stupid idea. Install Felpro part number 1094 head gaskets. They will tighten the squish clearance between the piston and the had slightly, which will reduce detonation propensity slightly, reduce octane requirements, and improve emissions as well. I would run a 7/16-14 thread cleaning tap into all head bolt bosses in your block. Then, use new head bolts, oil the threads and under the bolt heads. Once the engine is running, set the rocker arm adjustment (lifter preload) at 1/4 turn past zero tap. You'll gain power, and about 2MPG. The engine will run noticeably better with them set this way.
Usually when you use copper you would also use high quality studs and like the other person mentioned usually they require a re torque or two. If it got hot enough to blow a gasket it was likely due to the head and or block warping at least slightly and reducing the clamping force on the gasket. Copper for sure will not work with any block or head flatness issues. Head can be taken to a machine shop and surfaced but the block is less practical to have done unless you are rebuilding it anyway. I personally would not try a copper head gasket on an engine that has not been recently machined.
In meany engines, there is no option, copper gaskets, or none! The fact is, if you want to extend the life of a head gasket, you should tighten down the head after every long journey, or if the car has done much hill climbing. This is often omitted from the owner's handbook! I do not blame you for not wanting to fit more head gaskets! It is a long, and exacting job. One thing to carefully watch while fitting a head gasket is NOT to miss a head bolt while using the torsion bar! And please note, that torsion bars often give false results, if used too often. They are then worse then useless.
