The rings (head gaskets) are made of stainless steel. The heads are Aluminium.
I think the rings will not compress. It is the heads that may yield to the
extreme torque. But the torque is only 38 ftlb. It's enough to seal if all
surfaces are clean and flat. Minor scratch may be fine. But if you can not
eliminate the scratch by lapping it seems the scratch is deep.

The only way to find out is to assemble the engine and do a pressure test
or leak down test. Any leak into the cooling chamber means replacement of
the cylinder head unfortunately. Whenever combustion gas is leaked through
the head gaskets into the cooling chamber it will push coolant out of the
cylinder head and raises the engine temperature by cooking the coolant.
The temperature sensor will feel it. The temperature guage will show it.

David

--- Benny boy <huotb@VIDEOTRON.CA> wrote:

> Hi Pascal, unless it's very deep and long enough so it larger than the ring
> itself, i would not put nothing there, combustion temperature are so high
> that most product will melt.
>
> That ring/head gasket will compress and sould fill the gap, but again, if
> not to deep.
>
> Ben
>
> On Sat, 21 Jul 2007 13:28:13 -0300, Giasson, Pascal (DNR/MRN)
> <Pascal.Giasson@GNB.CA> wrote:
>
> >I have some small scratches on my heads, I think they got there from
> removing the metal gasket that goes between the cylinders and the heads, but
> not sur as I was really careful when removing them.  Anyway I tried to
> remove them with lapping compound and laping them with the cylinders, but no
> luck.  Is there a sealant that I can use or maybe JB Weld?  Thanks
> >
> >Pascal
> >'84Westy
>

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