Felpro valve cover gaskets

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hello all,

I began purchasing parts to have my timing belt replaced for my '02 Mazda Protege. I decided to get the gates kit over the Dayco kit. The water pump and oil seals from Mazda, and vc gasket is felpro permadry.{on mazda forum site it was mentioned several times, but no specific reason as to why}

My question is what exactly is meant by permadry? Does this mean you dont need RTV for the gasket? Also why is felpro permadry the best to use?

thank you for any information you can provide
 
Follow the instructions that comes with the gasket. If you need RTV it will come with the gasket - don't use it unless the instructions tell you to!
 
it didn't come with instructions so I can't really say for sure. I'm really trying to figure out what is meant by permadry? Should I conclude that it goes on dry, and gives apermanent seal hence the name permadry?
 
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Per Fel Pro they are intended to be used dry.

They are arguably the best out there, we use them a lot. Note that most are reuseable.
 
I agree with SteveSRT8's answer. Fel Pro seems to be adamant about not using gasket dressings of any sort.

Yet, Permatex markets gasket dressings and even says their RTV can be used as a gasket dressing (some say it allows the gasket to slip/slide out of place).

Amongst pros and diy'ers, there also seems to be 2 camps...3 if you count the ones that recommend just a dab on the corners to hold it in place during assembly.

This kills me.....I want black or white, not gray!!!!
 
In our extensive engine repair experience we have found that if the parts fit properly there is seldom any sealant needed.

If they fit poorly you are risking failure. Even with goo.

Always follow the gasket makers instructions or you may find yourself repeating...
 
Thank you SteveSRT8, for clearing that up for me. Cressida and doitmyself thank you for input also.
 
The way I do it, is if it's a gasket for a flat surface as some valve covers are, I won't use RTV, but if it's a gasket that has a round or angular fit at the front or rear such as some OHC valve covers or oil pans, I use RTV in the corners of the gasket to account for surface imperfections, even if it is permaseal.
 
Oh, I forgot. Don't you think "permadry" is just their brand name for recognition, marketing, and spin? I don't think it has anything to do with use of gasket dressings.
 
years ago my friend was a fel-pro rep. he said that fel-pro does not warranty valve cover gaskets that has had rtv on them. i like permatex #2. it sticks NOT slides. rtv slides cause its got silicon it.
 
Fel-Pro is a Federal-Mogul brand, who are also suppliers to many OEMs. Their family of brands include names like Moog, Wagner and Champion.

The PermaDry name implies that the product is made of premium grade, molded rubber that takes the shape of the surface it seals without having to over tighten.

Their PermaDryPlus, on the other hand, is a premium "problem solver". It basically utilizes silicone rubber with an aluminum carrier to resist heat and pressure.
 
I recently put PermaDryPlus valve cover gaskets on my truck and they were very nice. Leak free so far.

They did call for some RTV at the corner junctions.
 
I always RTV spots around cam caps where you have a 90 degree spot or if its a timing chain engine where the timing cover bolts to block, I'll put a little bit there at that seam, especially on oil pan gaskets....
 
Originally Posted By: qdeezie
The way I do it, is if it's a gasket for a flat surface as some valve covers are, I won't use RTV, but if it's a gasket that has a round or angular fit at the front or rear such as some OHC valve covers or oil pans, I use RTV in the corners of the gasket to account for surface imperfections, even if it is permaseal.


Agreed on the bold. Even OEMs do it. I also use a sparing dab at intersections, like say timing cover to block or rear main housing to block. If you don't it will leak or be more likely to leak because the gasket can't seal where that very narrow line is. Often times the paper gasket is sunk down just a touch and oil will flow through. Our shop learned that hard way on a Ford 3 valve 5.4 pickup. We (another employee) replaced the phasers and timing chain/guides. When he re-assembled, he didn't put a small dab where the timing cover meets the head. Oil leaked at that point where the valve cover sits over them and we had an annoyed customer and we had to eat the repair bill. Those particular engines are a bugger to work on - the a/c lines run over the top of the valve covers...

But generally speaking, I agree with those who say not to use any sealer on the gaskets.
 
The nice thing about those gaskets is that Fel Pro will tell you is it needs RTV at certain junctions, and then include a tube of RTV sealant to get the job done.
 
Originally Posted By: artificialist
The nice thing about those gaskets is that Fel Pro will tell you is it needs RTV at certain junctions, and then include a tube of RTV sealant to get the job done.


Generally, but not always.
 
i have been working on cars/trucks since 1965 and i have NEVER had permatex #2 fail. NO iam NOT saying you should do the same, just info. but when iam in sticky spot i know permatex #2 will do ANYTHING needed
 
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