[Shop-talk] Using RTV gasket maker

[John Innis]

I have a very specific procedure for paper gaskets that I was taught by my
father (a mechanic and shop teacher).  It has always worked well for me.
First, Clean the sealing surfaces and make sure they are smooth.  If you
use a wire brush on aluminum surfaces you are likely going to get some
scratches, clean it up with some 1500 grit sandpaper.  Next, I liberally
coat the gasket in oil.  The theory here is that the gasket is absorbent.
If you saturate it to start with it will not want to absorb any additional
oil or water from the thing you are trying to seal.  Next, it gets a thin
(and I do mean THIN) coating of RTV.  NOTE do not use HYLOMAR for this
application, you want an RTV that will set.  Wait a couple minutes for the
RTV to start to set then assemble and torque to sepc.  NOTE that in my
experience 90% of gasket failure is tied to improper torque values or
pattern.  Finally, WAIT.  Do not put the part into service until the RTV is
fully cured.  This step, above all else will prevent any excess RTV form
clogging up anything.  I have used this technique for more than 30 years
and never had a gasket leak.  YMMV.

On Sun, Dec 20, 2020 at 10:07 PM Robert Nogueirao <nogera at icloud.com> wrote:

> Seems like every video of someone working on an engine has them using RTV
> gasket maker with a paper gasket, yet buried in the manufactures literature
> it specifically says not to use it to hold a paper gasket in place.
> I’ll admit I’ve done it and haven’t had any problems.
> What says the group, what do you use on gaskets?
> Bob Nogueira
>
> PS: and yes I’m aware of the “ globs” problem of fouling the oil pump
> screen. I use a thin coat placed closer to the outside edge.
>
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