Gasket Goo, or not?

[suspend6]

Just about ready to replace thermostat housing and associated gaskets.

Having read three different manuals that address the replacement procedure for the thermostat, none of them make any mention of any sealers to be applied to the gaskets.  Can they/should they be fitted without any kind of goop?

Regards, Phil

[Newie]

As far as I know, you need to use something Sus. I've done it a few times using the old style gasket goo (non hardening) and last time I used the blue form-a-gasket silicone. They're only paper gaskets, so I can't see how you'd get away without it.

Make sure you also put eitther thread sealer or grease on the bolts that go into the head as they go into the water jacket and are prone to leaking


Newie

[spider]

As far as I know, you need to use something Sus. I've done it a few times using the old style gasket goo (non hardening) and last time I used the blue form-a-gasket silicone. They're only paper gaskets, so I can't see how you'd get away without it.

Make sure you also put eitther thread sealer or grease on the bolts that go into the head as they go into the water jacket and are prone to leaking


Newie

+1 on what Newie has suggested. I grease the bolts very liberally not so much to seal them, but to prevent corroding the bolt in to the housing, then they are real fun to get out.   Not.

In theory, with the softer cardboard type gaskets, you should be able to fit them dry, then when they get wet from the coolant, they will swell and seal - in theory. I still use sealant though!!!

[Terry]

Hi,

I like to use ThreeBond Grey goo on my gaskets as since it was recommended to me i have found it really good. Can be hard to find at times but any decent autoshop should have a tube or two available.

Terry

[lucksafortune2000]

Personally, my choice would be this permatex form a gasket:
http://www.amazon.com/Permatex-80017-Aviation-Form-A-Gasket-Sealant/dp/B000HBM42Y
or the good 'ol Ultra grey:
http://www.amazon.com/Permatex-82194-High-Torque-Silicone-Gasket/dp/B000HBGI8K
Both well proven products and well priced.
The benefit of the form a gasket is it's exceptional sealing qualities, and it won't go off sitting in the shed for long periods like silicones.
The links above are for reference only. Not suggesting you buy from them.

[suspend6]

So I take it this stuff is used in place of the paper gasket itself?

BTW, Amazon charge around $7 for the grey stuff, and SuperCrap charge $17 for exactly the same product (shipping would be the killer though)

Sus

[technosausage]

i've tried both methods and found that the paper gaskets dont seal very well on their own, particularly around the bolts, so i put them in with a nice ring of black gasket silicone to seal them.. that seems to do the trick.

i just use the cheapest gasket glue on the shelf at my local auto shop and havent had a leak yet.

ts

[Terry]

So I take it this stuff is used in place of the paper gasket itself?

BTW, Amazon charge around $7 for the grey stuff, and SuperCrap charge $17 for exactly the same product (shipping would be the killer though)

Sus

You still need to buy  gasket, the various products mentioned here just help it seal better.

Terry

[suspend6]

I have the gaskets, but the inference from the instructions on two or three of the products mentioned here infer that they are a substitute for the actual gasket itself.

However, I will be using gaskets as well.

I went for the Permatex Grey

Sus

[lucksafortune2000]

The grey permatex will do the job great, especially with the gasket.
The form-a-gasket is good for sealing surfaces with or without a gasket, but if no gasket the surfaces must be very flat, such as a milled surface.

[spider]

Many of the silicon based goos can be used as a gasket on their own, provided there are not big gaps to try to fill. Use the paper gaskets with a dab of goo, don't use too much!