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proper gasket installation

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19_again

19_again

Jedi Warrior
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While I'm waiting for Paul to answer my pm to him (hint hint), another question occurred to me.I'm removing the old gasket from the backer plate behind my timing chain and it's on there pretty good. Should you always-never-depends on gravity use a gasket sealer to hold the gasket in place? I presumed that the gaskets were designed with built in tolerances to allow for proper fitting between the two surfaces and that was enough.
Thanks,
Mike
 
I did answer you and in the past I used good old gasket shellac to hold that guy in place. A thin coating between the gasket and the block and you'll be fine.

EDIT - The answer above is in reference to the timing cover plate, not the other gaskets that we discussed.
 
Oh, I did find out that Harbor Freight sells Hylomar at $3.95 per tube. That is about $6.00 less than the other guy for the same size. And it is the original, imported from England. So if you have one near.........
 
WOW!! Good to know, Paul!! Thanks!
 
19_again said:
Should you always-never-depends on gravity use a gasket sealer to hold the gasket in place?
Click to expand...
My rule of thumb is "Yes". Not so much because it will necessarily leak if you don't; but because you'll feel a proper prat if you don't and it does leak.

I picked up a whole handful of Hylomar at HF ... no telling how long they will continue to carry it; and since it's my favorite gasket dressing (for most places, not all) I figured I'd stock up.
 
19_again said:
... I presumed that the gaskets were designed with built in tolerances to allow for proper fitting between the two surfaces and that was enough.
Thanks,
Mike
Click to expand...

Theoretically yes. It's the gasket that is supposed to supply the seal. When I swung wrenches for a living, I always just used some wheel bearing type grease to hold gaskets in place. For some reason, these LBCs sometimes need a little help and when I rebuilt the TRactor motor in the TR3 I used Wellseal in most places. Expensive stuff, but a little seems to go a long way, and so far, the engine is very dry on the outside. :thumbsup: Whether or not it would have been that way with just the grease, I'll never know. :laugh:
 
As Art says, a little goes a long way. I think what ever gasket dressing you use it is a case of a little is good and more is bad. Any excess will be squeezed out as the parts are tightened together. On the outside of the engine this can be wiped off, but what about the stuff on the inside of the engine? I use a disposable serrated plastic knife as a notched trowel to gasket dressing. Like preparing a floor for laying tile. It leaves nice little ridges on the gasket for a good seal and minimize the excess oozing into the engine.
 
MGTF1250Dave said:
...but what about the stuff on the inside of the engine?...
Click to expand...

And that, I think, is the beauty of Hylomar as it never sets up as far as I can tell. 'Mostly Harmless' as Mr Adams would say.
 
Only thing I ever found to "cut" Hylomar is lacquer thinner. It seems impervious to gasoline, oil and gear lubes. Brake fluid, too.

And a little DOES go a long way. Thin film on both sides of paper gaskets, good-to-go. It has a 'down side' tho. I don't use it on thicker cork gaskets like side-cover, oil pan and valve cover gaskets... it tends to allow "creep" in those circumstances. Good RTV for those. And proper set up time.
 
Hey Doc!

Are you going tu update your avatar address for the New Year?

The Netherlands and Florida are separated by an ocean.

When I first looked at your avatar, I was immediately taken by the Elsinore and didn't pay any attention to the DK. Thought we might have shared some history as I used to head for Lake Elsinore frequently, bike races and hangglider soaring...
 
Nahhh.

My Elsinore is the one of Hamlet & Ophelia... and between my ears. My true "address" :smirk:
 
Rover V-8 thin paper front cover gasket.
Copper or ....
 
Did you know Hylomar comes in a spray? Me neither ...
 
SPRAY Hylomar?!?!


's like rampant NANOBOTS!!!

...what were we discussin'??? :smirk:
 
What's better for timing covers and valve covers: hylomar or high tack permatex?

And why, I'd like to know.

thx
 
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