Engine Builders....what sealants to use?

[DSM_NOOBIE]

Im changing the main seal, headgasket, timing belt, water pump and replacing the old oil front cover. I have the engine torn apart and now ready to put all the new oem parts in it. My question is what type of sealants should i use to make sure i get all these parts to seal properly?Please specify brand and type if possible thanks

 

[bartels903]

I was hoping you were going to ask about the sealant on the HG, I'm redoing mine this weekend. I need to know too.

 

[GVR4592]

Use factory gaskets and nothing else, sealers usually cause more problems.

 

[DSM_NOOBIE]

really? i didnt know that thanks

 

[DSMDirkah]

For the head gasket, get some high temperature header paint (Ceramic) give it 2 coats and that sucker will work wonders. I also like to use the same paint when putting on the front cover gaskets and or, various other paper gaskets. Never had one leak yet

 

[GVR4592]

For the head gasket, get some high temperature header paint (Ceramic) give it 2 coats and that sucker will work wonders. I also like to use the same paint when putting on the front cover gaskets and or, various other paper gaskets. Never had one leak yet

Why would you do that?

 

[bartels903]

Wouldn't it burn the paint off and leave chips in there?

 

[DSMDirkah]

Why would you do that?

ouch I havent been on here in a while so I might have to resurect this one .. Painting the headgasket is an old trick that has been used for many years by engine builders.. It just helps to further seal the head.. I do it when I reuse good head gaskets. I know a guy that has had the same headgasket on his Smallblock V8 for close to 10 years (they go through it every season) He uses this method also.. Paint chips will not get inside the engine either.

 

[FORMONTOYA]

I'm 42 and granted I'm not an "engine builder", but that's one I've never heard of before.....not saying it won't work, I'm just not going to paint a head gasket and give it a try.

I've never used anything on a head gasket. Torque them in the proper sequence and do it in a 3 step process.....25%, 50%, then 100%. Never had a problem yet.

 

[DSMDirkah]

I'm 42 and granted I'm not an "engine builder", but that's one I've never heard of before.....not saying it won't work, I'm just not going to paint a head gasket and give it a try.

I've never used anything on a head gasket. Torque them in the proper sequence and do it in a 3 step process.....25%, 50%, then 100%. Never had a problem yet.

For most people that are not pushing thier cars to the extreme then its not really necessary (But can be benificial) I work for a drag racing team and this was one of the things they did that seemed wierd to me too but it really works Of course we are pushing 1400hp out of a 4cly but we have used this with many street builds with great success.. Another way to increase the clamp efficiency and slightly lower C/R is to add more layers but I wont get into that ..

 

[Defiant]

I use copper spray on head gaskets. I just always have, and haven't had reason not to.