Been discussed numerous times. Some say install gaskets dry, others say use some type of dressing. I'm waffling. The gasket is relatively thick....not paper thin.
Thanks.
Thanks.
Dressing on Thermostat Gasket?
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I have changed several thermostats and never used dressing. Always just the supplied gasket.
Many modern gaskets are designed specifically to not use any additional sealer.
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I use sealer and throw the gasket in a drawer with the rest of the gaskets I used just sealer on.
Assuming the mounting surface are not pitted, and you clean surfaces good which you would do anyway, I always just install the gasket dry. I think that is the best way to go. Those paper gaskets seem to be very resistant to coolant and durable, probably moreso than RTV. Also I never use RTV in place of the gasket.
It depends on the location of the thermostat housing whether or not I use adhesive. If it's sideways, or on the bottom or somewhere stupid then I use alittle 3M weatherstrip adhesive (aka gorilla snot) to hold the gasket to the housing.
Otherwise then no. If it's an o-ring seal then no.
Otherwise then no. If it's an o-ring seal then no.
would not normally use anything. But I always call Fel Pro and talk to them about any gasket questions.
Thanks everyone.
Steve, my experience with various one piece Felpro gaskets (tranny,valve cover) is that the instructions say not to use any sealants (not talking about the pieced ones where sealant is used on corners, etc.).
Thanks everyone for the affirmation. Seems like dry if the surfaces and gasket are excellent. Maybe some sealer if there are pits or other problems.
Steve, my experience with various one piece Felpro gaskets (tranny,valve cover) is that the instructions say not to use any sealants (not talking about the pieced ones where sealant is used on corners, etc.).
Thanks everyone for the affirmation. Seems like dry if the surfaces and gasket are excellent. Maybe some sealer if there are pits or other problems.
With new and perfect parts and dealing surfaces, 'O' ringed and other gaskets need no sealer.
My thinking is for $0.10 of sealer on used [cleaned] parts, any future leaks are eliminated. No comebacks!
A good grade RTV would be a perfect fit here.
My thinking is for $0.10 of sealer on used [cleaned] parts, any future leaks are eliminated. No comebacks!
A good grade RTV would be a perfect fit here.
Using a contact adhesive like Gaskacinch on paper gaskets. Do not use RTV, it is too slippery and will eventually leak. It can be done, but 9 times out of 10 it leaks. I've made a lot of money re-doing DIYers RTV thermostat gaskets.
For me it depends on the situation. If the surfaces look ok and it's a good quality gasket (or an o-ring or something like that), then no... I don't use sealant.
But if the surfaces are corroded and/or it's a cheap/thin gasket, then I'll use some sealer. I don't really like RTV for a gasket dressing- for all the reasons stated elsewhere in this thread. I prefer something like Permatex hi-tack. Or permatex #2. Or anaerobic sealant (yeah, I know this isn't the 'proper' application, but it works well). Or Indian Head Gasket Shellaq. I've even let a bead of locktite soak into the gasket before- worked fine.
I'm a little less inclined to use sealant on gaskets that seal oil. But coolant is thin and under pressure- if there are any leak paths, it'll find them.
But if the surfaces are corroded and/or it's a cheap/thin gasket, then I'll use some sealer. I don't really like RTV for a gasket dressing- for all the reasons stated elsewhere in this thread. I prefer something like Permatex hi-tack. Or permatex #2. Or anaerobic sealant (yeah, I know this isn't the 'proper' application, but it works well). Or Indian Head Gasket Shellaq. I've even let a bead of locktite soak into the gasket before- worked fine.
I'm a little less inclined to use sealant on gaskets that seal oil. But coolant is thin and under pressure- if there are any leak paths, it'll find them.
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