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  Proper installation of gaskets

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Author Topic:   Proper installation of gaskets
Brock
Journeyman

Posts: 29
From: San Diego, CA
Registered: Jul 2000

posted 01-18-2001 01:13 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Brock   Click Here to Email Brock     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
When installing parts with gaskets (eg, manifold, timing cover, oil pan) should I use some sort of form-a-gasket type stuff on the gaskets? If so, which stuff do you guys like the best? Any tips on applying it?

Thanks,
John

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PS65Coupe
Journeyman

Posts: 54
From: Renton, WA, USA
Registered: Dec 2000

posted 01-18-2001 01:51 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for PS65Coupe   Click Here to Email PS65Coupe     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Personally, I like to apply a little RTV (usually the blue stuff) to one side of a gasket, and glue it to the part that comes off (oil pan, valve cover, etc). I let it set up for a few hours with the gasket on the bench, and a bit of weight on the part. This way, next time I take it off, it wants to come with the part that's easy to clean, and I scrape less off the block surfaces. RTV is gasoline-soluble, so you shouldn't use it on intake gaskets to the head. RTV is preferred at the manifold ends, a nice thick bead to replace the gasket. Head gaskets should have nothing on them, although my Dad taught me an old mechanic's trick once for getting a warped head to seal like new - spray the head gasket with silver paint and put it on wet, then torque 'er down from the middle out. I've heard of using spray contact adhesive on the manifold-head gaskets to make 'em stay lined up, but haven't tried it yet.
Pat S

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Clark
Gearhead

Posts: 489
From: Rowlett,Texas
Registered: Aug 99

posted 01-18-2001 09:47 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Clark   Click Here to Email Clark     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
John, I am with Pat any of the RTV sealers will work good but when I use it with gaskets I like to use a thin layer and spread it out using a small acid brush. This will make the gasket removal next time alot easier.

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69 351W Sportsroof Deluxe

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sigtauenus
Gearhead

Posts: 1413
From: Beaufort, SC
Registered: Jun 2000

posted 01-18-2001 02:56 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for sigtauenus   Click Here to Email sigtauenus     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
My dad told me the same thing about head gaskets getting painted, but he always did it every time, not because the head was warped. Past couple times I bought gasket sets I noticed a disclaimer saying don't paint the head gaskets with anything before putting them on.

For you experienced guys out there, did head gasket design change the past 10 or 15 years? Did it use to be normal to have to paint them with a silver or copper paint?

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SteveLaRiviere
Administrator

Posts: 20825
From: Saco, Maine USA
Registered: May 99

posted 01-18-2001 03:03 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for SteveLaRiviere   Click Here to Email SteveLaRiviere     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Head gaskets have changed dramatically. I remember most heads gaskets were asbestos based.

I wouldn't dream of putting anything on the FelPro blues I use. But I remember the silver paint and copper gasket spray.

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'72 Mustang Sprint Coupe 351C 4V/FMX/4.30 Trac Loc
'94 F-150 XL 5.8L/E4OD/3.55 Limited Slip
'97 Probe GTS 2.5L Disposable Commuter

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SteveLaRiviere
Administrator

Posts: 20825
From: Saco, Maine USA
Registered: May 99

posted 01-18-2001 03:06 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for SteveLaRiviere   Click Here to Email SteveLaRiviere     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I also used to use a red Permatex spray sealer. I loved it because it was incredibly sticky, and I never had a come-back from a leak.

But heaven help you if you needed to take something back off. LOL

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'72 Mustang Sprint Coupe 351C 4V/FMX/4.30 Trac Loc
'94 F-150 XL 5.8L/E4OD/3.55 Limited Slip
'97 Probe GTS 2.5L Disposable Commuter

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kcode
Gearhead

Posts: 1952
From: alvaton,ky,usa Suburb of Bowling Green, M&M #79, MCA #29208
Registered: Jun 99

posted 01-18-2001 03:33 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for kcode   Click Here to Email kcode     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I'm still a believer in using the cork end gaskets between the intake and block with a small amount of RTV in the corners to seal. I can honestly say that I've never had a cork gasket squeeze out and leak. A trick I've used is to use a center punch and put a series of dimples on the block and intake manifold bottom about 1/4 inch apart, this gives the gasket sealer and gaskets something to grab on to. It works for me...

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Mike Golliver
MCA Assistant National Head Judge-Modifieds
65 Kcode coupe modified 5-speed
66 convertible-3 dueces and a 5-speed with a 289
65 Fastback -GT-350H clone vintage racer with a massive cracked block
89 T-Bird Super coupe

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kid vishus
Gearhead

Posts: 1823
From: between the end of the road, and the middleof no-where
Registered: Oct 2000

posted 01-18-2001 04:57 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for kid vishus   Click Here to Email kid vishus     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Permatex ... red or orange. for darn near everything requiring a sealant.

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SteveLaRiviere
Administrator

Posts: 20825
From: Saco, Maine USA
Registered: May 99

posted 01-19-2001 08:25 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for SteveLaRiviere   Click Here to Email SteveLaRiviere     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
They have a pretty cool site: http://www.permatex.com/

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'72 Mustang Sprint Coupe 351C 4V/FMX/4.30 Trac Loc
'94 F-150 XL 5.8L/E4OD/3.55 Limited Slip
'97 Probe GTS 2.5L Disposable Commuter

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sigtauenus
Gearhead

Posts: 1413
From: Beaufort, SC
Registered: Jun 2000

posted 01-19-2001 02:26 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for sigtauenus   Click Here to Email sigtauenus     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I still use the red sticky stuff too. Works great for stuff like thermostat housings, fuel pumps, waterpumps...makes sure that when you take it off, the gasket comes off with it.

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PJHMustang
Journeyman

Posts: 35
From: Granada Hills, Ca., USA
Registered: Jan 2001

posted 01-19-2001 03:58 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for PJHMustang   Click Here to Email PJHMustang     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I use Edelbrocks Gasgacinch. It will hold a gasket firmly in place and cleans up easily. I use Permatex aviation on anything water related and Permatex ATV black on the manifold end seals.
Pat

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If you can't afford to do it right, how can you afford to do it again?

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Ken
Gearhead

Posts: 2125
From: Prospect, Ct. M&M Member No. 31 MCA Member 49299
Registered: Jun 99

posted 01-19-2001 04:05 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Ken   Click Here to Email Ken     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Welcome to the site PJHMustang !!! Glad to meet you .

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Conciousness - that annoying time between naps.

Ken
1965 Springtime Yellow Coupe 289-4spd
www.mustangsandmore.com/ubb/Kens.html

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Moneymaker
Administrator

Posts: 11007
From: Lyons, IL, USA
Registered: May 99

posted 01-23-2001 05:13 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Moneymaker   Click Here to Email Moneymaker     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Welcome to M&M PHJMustang ! Steve, the "red" spray stuff is called High Tack. On metal head or intake gaskets I use KW Copper Coat spray exclusivly. On composite head gaskets I use nothing but well cleaned surfaces. Tech 2000 carb cleaner works best for us. I NEVER use the blue silicone RTV as it is just plain ugly and never seems to set up as well as black or clear. I use the high heat orange RTV for headers with NO Gaskets. I stopped using the cork end rail intake gaskets in the 70's as a technition and have never had an intake leak since. Whether it's on one of my race engines that has been decked and cut to sh*t or a stock 302 Crown Vic, I NEVER use them anymore. As you all well know, I hate leaks and NEVER have them.

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Alex Denysenko Co-Administrator and Moderator NHRA/IHRA/SRA member
Fleet of FoMoCo products
Moneymaker Bio
US Class Nationals link

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SteveLaRiviere
Administrator

Posts: 20825
From: Saco, Maine USA
Registered: May 99

posted 01-23-2001 05:19 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for SteveLaRiviere   Click Here to Email SteveLaRiviere     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Moneymaker:
Steve, the "red" spray stuff is called High Tack.

Yup, that's the stuff! I used to glue my fingers together on a regular basis with the stuff.

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'72 Mustang Sprint Coupe 351C 4V/FMX/4.30 Trac Loc
'94 F-150 XL 5.8L/E4OD/3.55 Limited Slip
'97 Probe GTS 2.5L Disposable Commuter

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Moneymaker
Administrator

Posts: 11007
From: Lyons, IL, USA
Registered: May 99

posted 01-23-2001 07:17 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Moneymaker   Click Here to Email Moneymaker     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
When I was a kid I used to glue my fingers together with "white" stuff.

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Alex Denysenko Co-Administrator and Moderator NHRA/IHRA/SRA member
Fleet of FoMoCo products
Moneymaker Bio
US Class Nationals link

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SteveLaRiviere
Administrator

Posts: 20825
From: Saco, Maine USA
Registered: May 99

posted 01-23-2001 07:26 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for SteveLaRiviere   Click Here to Email SteveLaRiviere     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Heh heh, Elmer's huh?

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'72 Mustang Sprint Coupe 351C 4V/FMX/4.30 Trac Loc
'94 F-150 XL 5.8L/E4OD/3.55 Limited Slip
'97 Probe GTS 2.5L Disposable Commuter

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