Re: Gasket Sealer?

Posted by Joe on February 13, 1998 at 07:37:20

In Reply to: Gasket Sealer?
posted by Tony Olinger on February 12, 1998 at 22:22:33

Actually, I have done it both ways.

I have used a Permatex product (name I forget) which comes in a spray can and goes on kind of like a spray paint.It's a cherry red color and is applied and allowed to dry to a tacky consistency which it does in about 10 minutes.It is applied to either or both surfaces and tends to "stick" everything together.

I used this on my Model A headgasket at once point andI like tothink it helped (how can you ever really know?)I have also used it on some of the minor paper gaskets used on the engine and in this case I later found that it makes the paper gaskets "self destruct" on disassembly and complicates things by leaving pieces of the gasket which require a scraper to remove.

Another negative is that frequently it leaves reddish looking bubbles where the product oozes out along the edge of the gasket.In my view this kind of detracts from a nice looking engine compartment.

My thought is that the product is not necessary but can possibly help on the headgasket in establishing the seal.I don't think I would now use it on any place where a paper gasket is used, however.

I have had one bad experience with the product on a VW diesel rocker chamber cover.I applied the product liberally (perhaps too liberablly) and waited for what I thought was the period necessary for it to dry.I assembled the parts and then took the car out for a test drive.During heat up of the engine, the gasket "squirmed" out from under the restraining faces and I ended up with a massive oil leak and the low oil alarm light, etc. Fortunately I didn't trash the engine, but it was a long walk home and I didn't enjoy cleaning up the oil all over the underside of my car.

The difference here (I later learned on examination) is that the VW gasket is normally kept aligned by flanges on the cover and is kept from being fully compressed by projections on the cover studs.The gasket, a somewhat thick synthetic cork, is not designed to be "fully compressed" and only the friction between the faces actually holds the gasket in place.

I assembled it after cleaning Permatex product off everything and all was fine afterwards.

I think the Permatex product has it's uses.It's probably at it's best for thin paper gaskets when applied lightly and allowed to dry thoroughly.But resign yourself to the fact that the gaskets will be destroyed should you disassemble the parts later.

For the Model A it's probably not necessary.

Best regards,
Joe




Previous PageE-Mail Comment to WebmasterPost New MessagePrint MessageClose Window

© 1996-2010, Ahooga.Com

Anti Spam