Gasket sealant?

[grantf]

Time to put the front cover back on. Should I use gasket sealant for the front cover gaskets? also the water pump, should it go on dry or use sealant?

thanks

[Diseazd]

I put the front cover gaskets on dry as well as the water pump....."0" problems. I do use a little hardening "form a gasket" on the top edges where the front cover gasket fits against the head gasket.

[grantf]

I am assuming the same for the oil pump gasket.

[Diseazd]

Correct......and the water inlet and thermostat housing to head and cover gaskets, mechanical fuel pump, distributor gasket, manifold gasket and carb gaskets.

Edited July 26, 2012 by Diseazd

[240260280z]

I always use the Permatex aviation gasket sealer (aka molasses) to be safe for most oil and water gaskets.

[grantf]

I always use the Permatex aviation gasket sealer (aka molasses) to be safe for most oil and water gaskets.

Funny you say that. Befor posting this thread I purchased a little can type 3 aviation gasket sealer. the brown stuff with the brush. should it not be used on the front cover gaskets?

The FSM says to aplly sealer to the front cover and four corners.

[240260280z]

I think using sealant or not using sealant is more of personal taste. Some areas really need it but others only need it for long term peace of mind. Dry gaskets look cleaner.

It is like using antiseize. Factory never used it but I do.

[grantf]

Well I am going to use the aviation sealant. Just a thin film. Mostly because I am putting gaskets onto not so smooth surfaces. They are clean but old and not resurfaced.

[olzed]

Well I am going to use the aviation sealant. Just a thin film. Mostly because I am putting gaskets onto not so smooth surfaces. They are clean but old and not resurfaced.

Wise choise. Can't do any harm, and might save grief later.

[siteunseen]

"Can't do any harm" is wise.

[mjr45]

A little piece of mind goes a long way, use the sealant.

[Jeff G 78]

I use the Permatex High Tack spray-on sealer. It's not as messy as the brown stuff and comes off without too much work the next time you have the cover off. I tend to have my race motor apart fairly often, so I don't want to spend a lot of time cleaning the surfaces. The red spray stuff comes clean with a razor blade and scotch brite. I've been using it on front covers for 25 years and have never had a leak. I think the can I use has lasted about 10 years and has done 10+ Z motors.

Simply lay the gaskets on cardboard and spray them with a light coating of the sticky red sealant. After a few minutes, turn them over and repeat. Give them another few minutes to dry a bit and install.

http://www.permatex.com/products/Automotive/automotive_gasketing/gasket_sealants/auto_Permatex_High_Tack_Spray-A-Gasket_Sealant.htm