When to use silicone?

[Izeloz]

I am replacing all the gaskets on a motor and I have been noticing that most of them do NOT have any sort of sealant or rtv on them. I was wondering, when is it necessary, or at least prudent, to use silicone PLUS a paper gasket? Thanks for any feedback.

 

[Gumby]

You should never need to use silicone and a paper gasket. I usually use both when I don't want the gasket to move while I install the part, like a water pump. I generally use a paper gasket when there's one mostly because I was wrenchin' when RTV was new, but with Right Stuff you can seal most everything with silicone.

I do something a little different with trans pan gaskets. I put bearing grease on the trans side of the gasket after gluing it to the pan. It works the same as lubing the O ring on an oil filter. It seals well and comes off without scraping.

 

[ToyotaDon]

So, you're recommending to use Right Stuff with almost all gaskets, but paper doesn't necessarily need anything?

 

[Gumby]

I guess. I'm not really recommending paper over right stuff. Sometimes Right Stuff is too much of a problem to clean off on valve cover gaskets, t-stats, that kind of stuff.
Other than that a good quality RTV like Right Stuff or Toyota works great.

I don't know you ever need both for sealing purposes.

 

[cruiser88]

If you need to use silicone...this stuff is great along with Indian Head.

http://www.beltco.com.my/catalog/images/Permatex/PERMATEX HIGH-TEMP RED 26BR.jpg

 

[cruiser88]

I love this stuff

http://images.orgill.com/200x200/6911168.jpg

 

[kyot4x4]

One word Gaskacinch just glue on one side of paper gaskets and done. been using it for over 20 years on the job.

kyle