Gasket Tips?

[Sonny]

I am finally finishing up my 360 engine and have a question? I am getting ready to reinstall my timing chain cover, fuel pump, and oil pan. I have standard felpro gaskets- are there any tips and tricks that I should know to prevent leaks on these components? RTV and such?
thanks!

 

[gtxno1]

Aviation sealer for most of those gaskets

 

[Sonny]

Aviation sealer for most of those gaskets

Like coat each side of all the paper gaskets?

 

[Brewzer67]

Buy gaskets from Superperformance and your leak issues will go away. I just switched and this is the first time in years I am leak free.

 

[idrivemopar]

On Chrysler small blocks, there are 4 bolts that go through the timing cover and water pump, I use non hardening thread sealer on those bolts threads because they also pass through the water jacket in the block. Otherwise as suggested just use a light coat of black rtv on each side of the paper gaskets. Also, once the gaskets are seated and everything torqued, let them setup for at least 24 hours before adding coolant and/or running the engine.

 

[gtxno1]

Aviation on all the paper gaskets nothing on the oil pan with the exception of a small amount of RTV on corners of the oil pan or where it mates to timing cover etc nice clean neat professional job thermostat gasket as well with aviation

 

[beanhead]

This has all the makings of a thread!...seriously though, superperformamce gaskets are really good..no sealants needed(factory didn't use them) With fel-pro papers I prefer the copper spray or shellac-type (indian head or gaskacinch). I don't use any sealers on the oil or fuel pumps. I know guys have had success with the aviation type stuff but I won't use it, it stays soft and gets gooey and oozes when things heat up. A little oil-resistant rtv is ok on the pan and cover too if your careful but like idrivemopar said let it cure before adding fluids

 

[threewood]

I'll go against the grain. I use Permatex High Tack on the oil pan, valve cover and small gaskets. I put it on the pan side, stick the gasket to it, and bolt it up. Keeps it in place and easy to remove the pan. I do the same on the trans pan gasket. Put it on the part that comes off that way it is easy to replace and it seals fine.

I use avation gasket quite a bit on threads, transmission seals. My favorite for oil pump cover, oil pump and intake gasket is permatex ultra grey.