Question:

Has/Does anyone use gasket sealer when they do a gasket job? I'll be going my intake manifold and was wonder if I should.

thanks

 

I never use sealants on gaskets unless the gasket manufacturer includes it or specifically calls for it. Gaskets are usually engineered to be installed dry and in some cases sealant can actually be detrimental, by weakinging the integriry of the gasket material or making it more likely that the gasket will walk as the bolts are tightened.

Quick story to illustrate. I used to have a 1982 Toyota Celica with the 22R engine that developed a leak in the exhaust manifold gasket. I replaced the gasket with good quality gaskets 3 times in 10,000 milesbefore an old codger at the auto parts store told me to quit using Permatexupon install. Iinstalledit the next time without Permatexand it held another 130,000 miles until I sold the car.

Cheers,
Dave

 

Doing an intake gasket I use two sealers
1) right stuff,(a permatex product) put a thin amount at the end seals where the head meats the block,but first make sure its all clean, install wet,dont let it sit or skin.
2) hylomar ,(wurth dp300)I put a veary thin coating at the coolant crossover ports, head and manifold
no other sealer and follow the torque specs. and dont over tighten the end clamps !
Have fun !

 

I would only use it if it is called for, or if the surface you are sealing has a lot of nicks in it. I was trying to replace a blower motor in my old Chevy pickup, and someone had used sealant on the housing. I now have a 5" scar across my forearm and I have seenthe ligaments in my left hand.

If you use it, use it sparingly and evenly.

 

The main thing with doing an intake manifold is the replace the large gasket where the 8 tubes go from the top to the bottom of the manifold, Rover parts on.