I am putting my engine back together and I read if the head gaskets have the metal ring then do not use gasket sealer (RTV). When I took them of the off there was a trace of a fine layer of sealant between the gasket and the head/block. The gasket had the metal ring around the head rim. I do not want to put it together and have a leak.

Convential wisdom might be the sealant could not hurt, but the ring is there for a reason and I am afraid sealant could prevent it from doing its job.

What do you do and what are your experiences? Gasket Sealer or no Gasket Sealer?

Thanks
P

I have only put selant on the head bolts and rocker studs. never had a problem.....not saying you wont.
I proper cleaning job on the block and head surface with no sealer for head gasket and you should be fine.
.02:D

RTV is good for the crankcase gaskets and that's about it. I have done no sealer on head gaskets since the late 80's and have not had a problem.

Used to do, as other old schoolers' here, spray alum paint onto head gasket, but with gasket technology today, not needed.

The gasket manf suggests?

RTV is good for the crankcase gaskets and that's about it.

The gasket manf suggests?



Good question but ....they say nothing....


Thanks

Good question but ....they say nothing....


Thanks

I'd follow the directions closely. I know my Fel-pro gaskets said none, and to retorque each bolt individually after 10 minutes to make sure each bolt had the proper torque.

They did have me put sealant on each bolt that entered a water jacket.

I've used on .020" thick steel stock type shims. (BB, SB -- and even my old hi-compressioned, 409 "W" engine w/ two stacked)...

Aluminum spray paint, spray and dauber bottle CopperKote and even good old Permatex, "Indianhead Shellac Gasket Cement" through the years!

And I've read where guys have even used no more than gun-grease too FINE!!

BUT I ALWAY'S use "Indianhead Shellac Gasket Cement" on all head-bolts and rocker studs!! And pretty-much all the other bolts as well that I think need sealing!! Darn old messy stuff seals great, but it is a bi-ch to clean off later!!

pdq67

I just did this, light film on the metal ring but its not necessary on these preflattened felpro gaskets. I had to do the job over again due to bad leakdown test and will not apply sealer to the fire ring, especially the blue printo seal area.