When and where to use gasket cement

J

Jdogsummer

New member
I am restoring a 1931 Ford Deluxe roadster. I am having trouble finding restoration details for when you do or do not use gasket cement. Is there a general rule to follow some gaskets are clear based on the composition (head and Exhaust manifold)of the gasket however it is not clear for paper gaskets.
Thanks
Jdogie
 
Very General rule, use gasket cement when something liquid can leak. But I seldom use cement and prefer the slight seepage to the trouble of removing the gasket later on most applications. I like Permatex #2
 
old31 said:
I use permatex2 on paper gaskets and copper coat spray on head and manifold gaskets.
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I generally use Hylomar Blue on paper gaskets but I use Permatex #2 also, especially to seal bolts. Vintage Precision recommends Permatex #2 on their thermostat housings instead of paper gaskets, and that has worked well for me.

I don’t use anything on cork gaskets. Copper spray on the graphite head gaskets. RTV only on metal to metal sealing surfaces. I have not used shellac for years.
 
Hello, Permatex 2 on rear end bolts , always leak through the threads there . Also recommend if putting a Burtz engine together.
 
permatex Right Stuff, fast set or 90 min set works well when no cork or paper gaskets.
Used it around the steering gear bolts and mating surfaces also.
 
I use a small dab of silicone in the corners of an oil pan gasket, and the copper spray on my head gasket. Other than that I seldom use sealer. I get things clean and put it together. If I need something to hold while I assemble it, I tend to use a skim coat of grease.

A modern engine I tend to glue the valve cover gaskets and let them sit overnight. I also sometimes glue the water pump gaskets on to the pump, and the dab of silicone in the pan, and intake corners.

I was taught that if you need a gobb of sealer there is something wrong.
 
I use liquid Aviation Permatex thinned with some denatured alcohol. On just about everything that has a gasket. Except for the manifold gasket and then I use spray on Copper Coat. I have yet to do a head gasket. The carburetor gaskets sometimes I've just used axle grease. I rarely if ever have a gasket shred if I have to remove anything.;)


Bob-A:D
 
Is gasket sealer generally used on both sides of the gasket. Would it make sense to just do one side, or would that just guarantee a leak? Seems like the parts could be separated later on without shredding the gasket.
 
If the part is frequently removed for adjustments, such as the cover for a Model T transmission which is removed to adjust the bands, then gasket cement is used on one side of the gasket only.
 
I was told by my shop teacher many years ago that a dry gasket is a gasket that is going to leak ;) I always use something on gaskets and rarely have problems
 
Phil Brown said:
I was told by my shop teacher many years ago that a dry gasket is a gasket that is going to leak ;) I always use something on gaskets and rarely have problems
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Isn't it amazing how wise those old teachers were? I still do a lot of things the way I was taught either by my shop teachers or my dad.
 
Another consideration is How Much gasket sealer to use. Don't slather it on with abandon, a little can go a long way, it will spread when tightened.
Permatex #2 or aviation is a good bet for most locations.
 
I glue cork gaskets with Aviation Permatex to one surface then put a thin film of grease on the other surface. They will come off to check the bearings or valve clearance several times without tearing.

I'll use clear or black silicone on paper gaskets - a VERY thin coat is enough. If it squishes out you used too much.

Head gaskets regardless of type get lots of Copper Coat.
 
Around 1987 I bought a can of OMC gasket sealing compound because that is what OMC recommended to use on the outdrive of my OMC Cobra drive. Believe it or not that can just finally gave up the ghost in 2024 and I used it on every paper gasket for boats, motorcycles, cars, you name it. The exact same product is no longer available but Evinrude Johnson gasket sealing compound is still available and that one should last me the rest of my life. I use other products depending on the application but OMC now Evinrude Johnson gasket compound really work the trick for paper gaskets.
 
IMG_6121.jpg. Dear DIY old guys. Please leave some rtv for the rest of us. Thank you and have a nice day
 
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