Gasket Sealant

[jimn]

I'm going to put the valley pan, intake manifold, and exhaust manifold back on my engine. I have gaskets but I'm wondering if I should also use some type of gasket sealant such as Permatex to insure a tight seal. For general engine assembly does it help to use "anti-sieze" compound on nuts and bolts. thanks

[jimn]

I'm going to put the valley pan, intake manifold, and exhaust manifold back on my engine. I have gaskets but I'm wondering if I should also use some type of gasket sealant such as Permatex to insure a tight seal. For general engine assembly does it help to use "anti-sieze" compound on nuts and bolts. thanks

[Ed Neasham]

If the surfaces are clean and straight you should not need any sealant. Lot of problems are caused by people gooping the stuff on. The gaskets should seal by them selves. That's what they were designed for. An adhesive such as "Cinch-a-gasket" to hold the gaskets in lace while assembling is OK. On the intake the little plastic rings should do the job. Don't use any on the exhaust manifold. If you really must, use the copper stuff in the brush can (it can stand the heat). If you still want to use a compound, make sure you use the non-hardening type (Permatex). If you use the hardening type you, or the next guy to disassemble it will have a whole bushel of bad words to say.

As to anti-seize, all fasteners that are to be torqued should be lubed. If they are too small to be torqued (which aren't many. The shop manual has the pan bolts and valve cover bolts torqued) then they do not require lube. My rule of thumb is if they need torquing in the range of 15 ft-lbs or greater I use anti-seize. Is it required, No, is it overkill, probably, but does it hurt anything (as long as you don't glob it all over everything), No.

Just my opinion.

Ed

[Blackcat]

I like to use Ultra Blue on the gaskets that will get oiled. It expands and makes the best oil seal. Just use a light coat on the gaskets.

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Gatomon
A car is cheaper than a girlfriend. Better than a wife. If it gives you trouble you can park it and forget about it!

[Dennis B]

jimn, I have been using a compound for a long time called THE RIGHT STUFF. I have had great long term results and highly recomend it for the valley pan.I have used this compound on many parts on my Big Rig, can't beat it in my opinion.

[jimn]

Blackcat -
A car is cheaper than a girlfriend, better than a wife. If it's body starts to rot, you get a new one.

[Blackcat]

You can always Weld in new panels. Body work is still cheaper than Plastic surgery and lasts longer.

[mike nixon]

less bitchin also!