Hello everybody,

I'm just barely into my engine rebuild and already I'm having questions. Better to stop and ask though rather than just plundering on.

So my question is: Everybody says to use the Permatex Aviation 3H Form-A-Gasket on the rear main bearing cap gasket. I was just at my local parts store and they didn't have that particular sealant so I'm wondering which other sealants will do the trick? I have 1B, 2B and just about every kind (color) of RTV.

Also, does the oil pump-to-block gasket need a sealant? If so, which kind?

Thanks everybody!

JACK

I'd be disinclined to use 1A. The aviation stuff is best. "Copper" RTV ~sparingly~ would work, too. As for the pump gasket, smear a bit of oil on it and bolt it up. Hylomar would be better but it's getting hard to find for some reason.

+1 for Hylomar, tho' Wellseal's my favourite. Ray at R.D. Enterprises will no doubt be able to help with either.

Thanks guys. I was able to search around town a little more extensively and found the 3H. I used that on the rear main cap gasket.

As for the Hylomar, are you saying that it is a substitute for the 3H or is it used for other things? I'm always unclear as to where to use what kind of sealant. Is it just a judgement thing based on the type of sealant and its properties? Red, blue, black, clear, 3H, copper, Hylomar or NONE at ALL or???. I never really feel confident that I'm choosing the BEST.

JACK

Be not concerned! Remember: these things were engineer'd and built in th' SIXTIES.

Hylomar is a wonderful non-hardening sealant for stuff that'd be "normally" set with grease or oil. Most RTV compounds can be used for cork and thicker gaskets ~IF~ allowed to set a bit before you give it a final tightening.

RTV will be affected by fuel in most cases, Hylomar won't.

"Hardening" gasket compounds are (my personal opinion, mind you!) to be avoided simply because YOU will likely be th' next guy to have to disassemble th' unit. No sense in makin' life any harder than necessary.