Use of RTV

[ocwd]

I will be installing my fuel pump and thermostat on my engine in a couple of days. Can I use RTV on these gaskets? I have blue, black, and clear. The clear is the only one that does not say "Not recommended for use on head gaskets or parts in contact with gasoline"

[Boze]

I used Permatex (copper) on mine and just a smear. The fiber gasket should do most of the work. The last thing you want is a big glob of it coming off and floating around in your coolant until it plugs a radiator tube.

Did you mean water pump?

[wesk]

Stay with Permatex non-RTV type sealers on your engine. Most Willys engine gaskets never require any additional sealant. The use of additional sealant is proper when you have surface imperfections that may interfere with the gaskets sealing ability but otherwise just use the gasket. Any aftermarket gasket that may need additional sealant will note that in their instructions otherwise expect the gasket to simply do it's designed job, seal!

[53a1]

Hey Dave.

I use High Tac on flush fitting parts like the oil pan, water pump, themostat, diff cover. On the push rod cover I use High Tac only on the cover side so I can remove and adjust valves. I use Permatex #2 on non flush fitting surfaces to fill gaps and pipe fittings. Paper gaskets on flush parts Indian head works well. Generally if it is prone to leak I will use sealant (diff cover) on both sides otherwise just one side. On threads that run into the block I use Permatex High temp thread sealant. It sets up slow so you can re torque after running.

This is what I've found from research and there may be a better solution.

In general I stay far away from RTV except when I need to make a gasket. In that rare case I lay a perfect bead, let it harden a little then snug it. I will never use RTV to make a gasket where oil passages are present.

Clean all surfaces to clean metal and wipe with Acetone.

[ocwd]

OK, I'll go without sealer and just use the gaskets. Thanks for all the tips guys.

Dave

[wesk]

I have seen manny thermostat housings and their mating surface on their heads pitted. If yours are not smooth you should follow the lead in the post above.

[ocwd]

The surface on my thermostat is pitted. I'll go down to Napa and pick up some Hi Tac.

Thanks Wes and Dave

[53a1]

If it has pitting consider #2. Here is a good link.

http://www.permatex.com/products/Automo ... alants.htm
http://www.permatex.com/products/Automo ... ealant.htm

[ocwd]

Dave,

Can I call you later after church? Probably around 1 or 2. I have a couple of questions for you.

Dave

[53a1]

No problem. Call me on my cell anytime.