TR2/3/3A question about Figure of 8 installation

[2billydavies]

Hi everyone... getting ready to put the sleeves/pistons back in, had a quick question about figure of 8 gaskets.
First, is it recommended to put the Wellseal on both sides of the gasket? so that there is sealant on the engine block side and the piston sleeve side?
And secondly, in regards to this installation.... exactly what is the best way to install the Fo8 gaskets? Should reach down and put the gasket in place in the engine block first then slide the sleeves into their spots or should I put one sleeve into the gasket, install it then slide the next one in? not quite sure how to tackle it or what easiest/best working way is.

Any pointers would be very much appreciated! Feel free to add any feedback at all to the piston installs. It's my first time...i'm pretty confident in myself mechanically, but if anyone has some secret tips, by all means... fire away.
thanks!
BD

 

[Geo Hahn]

I guess I didn't give it much thought - but what I did was put sealant (I used Aviation Form-a-Gasket) on all surfaces that would contact it to assure complete coverage, i.e. block ledge, bottom of sleeve and both sides of gaskets. Then I put the Fig-of-8s down in the block, followed by the sleeves.

 

[TomMull]

I guess I didn't give it much thought - but what I did was put sealant (I used Aviation Form-a-Gasket) on all surfaces that would contact it to assure complete coverage, i.e. block ledge, bottom of sleeve and both sides of gaskets. Then I put the Fig-of-8s down in the block, followed by the sleeves.

Ditto. I also like to get the head on before the gasket goo goes off (although the aviation is non hardening, I think) and hold the liners in place with nuts and spacers on the head bolts while messing with the pistons and rods. Pretty much by the "book". Tom

 

[CJD]

I think the book says to put the FO8's on a pair of cylinders, and drop them in together...probably to prevent pinching the FO8. Of course, Wellseal first to hold the FO8 as the sleeves go down.

PS...I doubt anyone does it the way the book says...

 

[2billydavies]

awesome. thanks everyone... really helps out.

 

[TomMull]

I think the book says to put the FO8's on a pair of cylinders, and drop them in together...probably to prevent pinching the FO8. Of course, Wellseal first to hold the FO8 as the sleeves go down.

PS...I doubt anyone does it the way the book says...

I'm quite sure I tried that many years ago and found it extremely awkward. Of course, I've never been able to walk and chew gum either. Tom

 

[TR3driver]

The book is perhaps less clear than it could be; but I have always interpreted it to mean fit the gaskets to the block and then the liners to the block.

 

[sp53]

I would do a dry fit first just to make sure everything fits before I put the sealant on the figure 8. Moreover, that way you know you have the correct height above the block because that height is critical for the head to seal.

 

[pdplot]

Aviation Permatex is non-hardening. I first used it back in the 1950s and still have some laying around in my garage somewhere.

 

[KVH]

The book is perhaps less clear than it could be; but I have always interpreted it to mean fit the gaskets to the block and then the liners to the block.

I've been through this. Randall is right. The figure 8s go in first. No dry runs or you'll likely mess something up. The liners will fit, and if something goes wrong, the figure 8s are cheap. You'll be fine if you're careful. Use copper figure 8s. WellSeal is expensive but good. Once used the tube will dry up well before your next engine build. If OK I'd look into a cheaper substitute like Permatex High Tack or Hylomar but I can't quite recall what others here have said re sealants.