[ZeGermanHam]

Originally Posted by 78w72

You can use a thin layer of gasket sealer/maker to stop wicking on the paper type gaskets, thin bead of ultra black or grey spread out with your finger on both sides.

Ive been using the chrome T-stat housings with an O-ring for 20+ years that work great, no leaks and can be reused many times. If/when the oring flattens out, just buy a new one at a hardware store for a dollar. Might not look factory correct but for many cars with chrome/aluminum parts, factory correct doesnt matter.

This is what I do. Very thin film of Ultra Black RTV on both sides of the paper gasket. Zero leaks, zero seeping or sweating.

[nUcLeArEnVoY]

Originally Posted by ZeGermanHam

This is what I do. Very thin film of Ultra Black RTV on both sides of the paper gasket. Zero leaks, zero seeping or sweating.

I used Optimum Gray on both times I tried paper gaskets and it weeped. I doubt it was the different kind of RTV I used, so I guess maybe my mating surfaces have too much pitting? Didn't look like it last time I had it all apart but I still use the original cast iron intake and 'stat aluminum housing.

[78w72]

Originally Posted by nUcLeArEnVoY

I used Optimum Gray on both times I tried paper gaskets and it weeped. I doubt it was the different kind of RTV I used, so I guess maybe my mating surfaces have too much pitting? Didn't look like it last time I had it all apart but I still use the original cast iron intake and 'stat aluminum housing.

What is optimum gray? The permatex ultra grey/black sealers work very well to stop any type of seeping or leaks in coolant or oil applications. If its spread thin over the whole gasket surface & not just a small bead and allowed to fully cure, it literally seals the gasket & should stop any leaks or seepage. Unless there is major pitting that the sealer isnt filling, but even then on pitted timing covers if you fill the pits with the sealer it has always been leak free in my experiences.