[robbZ28]

I've been reading a bunch of posts about the use and misuse of RTV and other sealants, but am still not quite sure what I should do in my case.

I'm replacing my current valve cover and oil pan gaskets and I got those nice Fel-Pro models. the oil pan gasket is nice blue one-piece metal reinforced rubber model, and the valve gaskets are a nice thick rubberish material, also reinforced i believe.

do i need any kind of sealer on these gaskets? i usually put some kind of sealer on every gasket I replace but i want these to be perfect, and after reading all those anti-rtv posts, i'm not quite sure what to do....

will be heading into the garage in about an hour, hopefully hear back from someone..

THANKS!

 

[dnult]

Not on those gaskets. The silicon rubber gaskets should be installed dry. Sometimes if the gasket crosses two components you'll need a dab of black rtv near the junction. An example of such a place is the intake manifold gasket where the block and head meet. You might also need a dab in the corners near the main caps when you install your pan gasket. I dope paper thermostat housing gaskets, but that's about it. There are probably a few rare exceptions but for the most part, dry is better. RTV tends to lubricate the gasket too much and let it slip out of place when torqued - not to mention little chunks of rtv that float around and get into things.

-dnult

[This message has been edited by dnult (edited 10-23-2002).]

 

[Cameron]

I wouldn't use RTV on those gaskets. I don't even use RTV on cork valve cover gaskets. I have always made sure that both sealing surfaces are exceptionally clean and I have had good luck so far.

 

[awilco]

If you want a little tac to your gaskets then use a product called gasgacinch, now owned by Edlebrock. I have been using it for years and years. Started using in on air cooled Porsche and airplane motors. It is super but use a thin film, works super and comes off real easy, no scrapers necessary.

Andy 1969 Pace Car and 60 Vette 383/425hp

 

[dgrewhl]

for valve covers/timing covers/etc.. I tack the gaskets to the covers with ultra black,,let it set up,,then use something like axle grease,,,vasoline works good too,,to the block side of the gasket,,,easy to take back off,,,and the gasket stays on the cover,,,as for the one-piece oil pan seal,,,I agree,,,I'd put that on dry,,,maybe a little vasoline/grease and be easy on the torque.....

 

[nate]

i only use RTV on water pump's and intake manifolds. When i installed my rubber valve cover, i did the oil filter method and used my finger and ran a thin coat of oil around the gasket to ensure proper sealing. Personally, i would do the same thing to the oil pan gasket. Could'nt hurt

 

[Eric68]

A little RTV on the oil pan gasket and on one side of the valve cover gaskets won't hurt. It really helps if the oil pan rails or valve covers are slightly warped and prone to leaking.

I always put it on thin though, too much and it will squeeze out when you tighten the bolts and will get inside the engine.