Gasket question

[Jordan Baker]

HI everyone.

I ahve a question in regards to applying gaskets. Is it nessary to apply somthing on the gasket before bolting the parts together. Its been awhile since grade 10 auto shop and I can't remeber.

ANy help/tips much appreciated.

[Alex Blair (RIP)]

Originally posted by Jordan Baker
HI everyone.

I ahve a question in regards to applying gaskets. Is it nessary to apply somthing on the gasket before bolting the parts together. Its been awhile since grade 10 auto shop and I can't remeber.

ANy help/tips much appreciated.

Hi Jordan.
Put 'em on the way they come out of the package..
A little dab of hi temp silicone where intake gaskets meet along the front and back valleys is all I do..(For V-8's)
But for intake and head gaskets ,put them on as is..
On some oil pan gaskets and valve cover gaskets ,a little smear of silicone holds them in the right place..
Watch your torques..don't over tighten..

[Jordan Baker]

Thanks Alex

This question was more for things like the fuel pump and it mount. I will leave them as they came in the box.

Thanks again and Merry Christmas

[Phil Waterman]

For the paper gaskets I have been using Permatex High Tack Spray-A-Gasket. It comes in a spray can you spray both sides of the gasket and the flanges let it stand for a few minutes then assemble. It is a little like contact cement in that it is tacky to the touch but really sticks to itself. I do mask the flanges so that you are not getting over spray into the part. Find that it does make for a long lasting gasket. Surfaces do need to be clean but if they are then you actually get a good seal. http://permatex.com/products/prodidx...&item_no=80064

[Alex Blair (RIP)]

Originally posted by Phil Waterman
For the paper gaskets I have been using Permatex High Tack Spray-A-Gasket. It comes in a spray can you spray both sides of the gasket and the flanges let it stand for a few minutes then assemble. It is a little like contact cement in that it is tacky to the touch but really sticks to itself. I do mask the flanges so that you are not getting over spray into the part. Find that it does make for a long lasting gasket. Surfaces do need to be clean but if they are then you actually get a good seal. http://permatex.com/products/prodidx...&item_no=80064

Hi Phil..
That is good advice ,especially with the thermostat housing gaskets and intake manifold gaskets...
Shouldn't hurt on exhaust manifold gaskets ..
Do you also use it on head gaskets..??
Clean and dry and new head gasket usually works..
I know that any oil deteriorates the head gasket and problems down the road usually occur ..but don't know on the Permatex spray for the head gasket..
Valve covers gaskets and the like would be fine also.

[Phil Waterman]

Hi Alex

I generally use the spray on the cut paper gaskets several coats until it as soaked in and then dried to the touch.

I use the RTV on cork gaskets on one sides of the cork on valve cover etc that I'll want to take apart and reuse the gasket. On both sides for those cork applications where disassembly is unlikely.

I have used spray on the head gasket.

On the valve cover I use the RTV to glue the gasket down to the head. Which allow removal of the cover, figure that the gasket is really just forming a coffer dam around the valve gallery to hold the oil in.


Interesting that Permetex does not recommend any thing for the head gasket they just sort of imply that it should take the temperature.

[Alex Blair (RIP)]

Phil...
Good point on the "One side" of the gasket if you want to take it apart later...Nothing worse that taking off your valve cover with a chipping hammer...
I forgot to mention the point ..glad you brought it up...
Quote......
I use the RTV on cork gaskets on one sides of the cork on valve cover etc that I'll want to take apart and reuse the gasket. On both sides for those cork applications where disassembly is unlikely