Gasket Sealant or no gasket sealant

[JLH911]

I'm getting ready to install a fresh thermostat, o-ring and paper gaskets for the thermostat and thermostat housing(the one where it mates to the head).

I've done a search on this, but couldn't find a consensus on if one should use at least some gasket sealant like this one:

http://www.permatex.com/products/Au...ts/auto_Permatex_High_Tack_Gasket_Sealant.htm


anyone?

 

[Butt Ugly Chuck]

I didn't, and have had no issues so far

Butt

 

[grant5127]

If either mating surfaces are questionable (pitted) ? yes use some protection.....

 

[Dynosoar]

I always use some RTV silicone it is cheap insurance.


Dynosoar

 

[JLH911]

Yeah, good point. I think I'll put some on just in case.


Btw, don't know if you saw my post about how I finally got everything back on but had a minor coolant leak. I'm taking care of this today, but then I have to figure out where this exhaust leak is after changing out the intake/exhaust gasket.

Got some hose from Manuchao and I'll start probing around.
I'm just praying it's not the I/E manifold not being flat....even though I had it machine...(don't know if they machined it as one whole piece).


It could also be those metal ring gaskets on the ends of the exhaust manifold...the WHOLE thing would have to come out at that point....ugh!

 

[forestdan7]

When I did my thermostat I asked around for advice on this, too. Seems like the majority said no sealant needed, and that's what I did.

It's working out fine so far. It does seem like a little couldn't hurt, though, as long as it's just a little bit. I had to scrape forever to get all the blue RTV off the PO used to get a good seal. Too bad he didn't know about the upper O ring, or I wouldn't have had to mess with it at all.

 

[cfdlighthouse]

on thermostats and the like where there is fluid seal i have always skimmed the paper gasket surface with ultra copper hi temp gasket maker. i repeat skim, not glob

it works great and makes the gasket stick to the mating surface for those hard to assemble areas and covers any imperfections that may be present. never had any trouble doing it that way

remember to properly torque the bolts

 

[Esther]

I used the high temp red stuff with no problems. However, somewhere along the mating surfaces, I applyed a bit to much because months later when I was changing my coolant, a little peice of the cured red gasket goo came out with my old coolant. I've had no problems with temp so I don't think I screwed anything up but I can see how using to much of the goo may clog the radiator in places. I'd use it again, judt not as much.
John

 

[Matt60]

i use Copper Coat on most things but not all.

 

[cruiser88]

just a little

 

[JLH911]

Well, I ended up using the gasket sealant I mentioned in the first post.

All is hold well...no leaks.


This exhaust leak is driving me nuts though. I seemed to have tracked it down. Seems to be either the EGR tube(all is new here...new tube from SOR and gasket)or it's the metal rings that are part of the exhaust manifold at the ends.

These are the parts that can swivel and have about three sets of metal rings that serve as barriers for exhaust gases.

I'm hoping it's not these as I'd have to take the whole Intake/Exhuast manifold off.

 

[PhilC64]

I prefer the black "cheese whiz". Holds up to everything I've put it on. Plus it makes a great snack topping.

http://www.permatex.com/products/Au..._the_Right_Stuff_for_Imports_Gasket_Maker.htm

 

[Cruzerman]

I too like the black cheeze wiz. More important (IMHO) is to put some anti-seize on the bolts so you'll be able to take it apart in the future without breaking anything.

 

[jvazquez53]

I use the red stuff; is the o-ring or gasket that goes on the top part of the thermostat necessary, what is supposed to do???

 

[PhilC64]

Keeps the coolant from flowing past the thermostat into the housing. I just replaced mine and found I had no o-ring.

 

[jvazquez53]

I read somewhere that that gasket is particularly important in cold weather, now cold weather here is 65 degrees. Will it matter have the o-ring gasket or not?

 

[AfricanToy]

I heard Aviation gasket sealer is excellent.....oil proof and heat resistance.

 

[Rigger]

I did a bunch of cooling system work. New T-stat and new water pump. FWIW, I used basic black Permatex on both of these.

 

[PhilC64]

I effectively ran without a thermostat the last several months. The engine never got near the first tick on the gauge either. I would imagine though it would be a bit better to run with a thermostat than without.

 

[forestdan7]

I read somewhere that that gasket is particularly important in cold weather, now cold weather here is 65 degrees. Will it matter have the o-ring gasket or not?

One reason it's important in cold weather is so your heater works. But at 65 degrees at the coldest, you probably don't use your heater much.

The other reason the gasket is important is that it will let your engine come up to full operating temperature. An engine that's cold all the time will use more fuel and carbon can build up.