I just replaced my seeping throttle body heater yesterday. Easy job, but I have a few questions:

Should have used some sort of Gasket Sealant?
What does that thing do exactly anyway?


(Mental note to self: ask these questions before installing part.)

 

Yes you should have used a gasket.
The purpose of the the t-body heater is to keep it from iceing up in cold and high humidity.
Cold air is rushing past the t-body and it is REALLY cold in the winter, and when it is moisture laden it will form ice crystalson anything that it can. If it is bad enough it can cause the throttle to swtick open, or the engine to not get enough air.
Not a problem where it is warm, but they have no idea what you are going to do with your truck. Hell, you might drive it to the Artic Circle for all they know.
Does that answer your questions?

 

Spike, I did use a gasket... metal on metal general makes a poor seal.

I was wondering however, should I have used a little Gasket Sealant in addition to the supplied gasket?

Thanks for the info on what it does! hehe

 

Ok, I thought that you did not use any gasket. A little RTV never hurts in my mind.

 

the supplied gasket should be fine, it wouldnt have hurt to sand down the metal a little bit and clean it up.. but you should be ok with just changing it out..

 

I took a razor blade and scrapped the old gasket and gunk off, but I'll keep an eye on it.

Thanks guys!