is the black dirko headgasket sealant supposed to harden? I squeezed out a test 2 nights ago and its still soft--like it was just squeezed out. I was leary of it since it was about a 4 years old. kind of a bummer since I had yesterday slated to get the heads back on. this has to be the longest head gasket replacement on record--haha. but at least I'm taking my time and doing it right. Since i may need to get some--looks like the concencus is to
throw the dirko away anyway. I'll call around today and see what I can find  looks like the consenus is not to use any sealant or lube on the cylinder
o-rings. silcone grease seems like a good idea kind of.

I may try again since now i have even more time to get the bottom o-rings.
any tips here? i rotated the engine so the piston was at the bottom of its
travel--then let the cylinder ride out to the top most position. thought
that was a safe way of not pulling it out to far and exposing the rings.
maybe it can come out further. like I said--and advice would be welcomed  thanks in advance mike