Sealant Questions

['95EclipseGSX]

So I'm about to take the head off my 2G 4G63T engine and I have been seeing in the manual a few different, very specific sealants. This is the first time I have ripped apart an engine so I apologize if these are retarded questions.. I see there are 4 3M sealants, 3M ATD part #8880, #8660, #8860, and #4170. There is also a recommendation of NLG grade 2 and official Mitsubishi sealant w/ part #MD970389. I'm not sure if I need all of these for a head/head gasket replacement and replacement of timing belt and some other random parts that can get worn. I spoke with a dealer and they have the Mitsu sealant for $75 bucks which seems a little extreme. He couldn't tell me anything about any of the 3M sealants or any equivilents and says he uses Permatex anaerobic sealant a lot. I would love to know what you guys use and what I need to get. There must be a couple good sealants I can just get that cover everything I would need to seal. I will buy the real ones if it is necessary(even at $75 a pop), I want to do this right. Anyways thanks in advance for the input, I'm surprised this isn't already in a thread(which makes me think there's something obvious I'm not seeing )

 

[slowgsr]

You will be fine using something like permatex RTV black silicone on anything that requires it.. Which, off the top of my head, there is the thermostat housing.. any type of connection that coolant flows though that has a gasket put a very THIN layer on it..

Then.. I always take rubber gaskets, (valve cover etc) and put some RTV in my hand and basically run the gasket though my fingers just kind of coating it very lightly.. I wear disposable gloves.

On the headgasket, intake manifold gasket, exhaust manifold gasket etc.. any other paper gaskets or metal gaskets that do not have water flowing I always use copper spray. However, The only gasket on my exhaust is between the head and exhaust manifold, I find using gaskets in other places only causes headaches when they blow, just make sure both surfaces are true, and I use a bit of RTV copper gasket maker on them.


So yeah.. You don't need fancy stuff. Just permatex works fine. Just make sure everything is very clean before you install it, acetone works great for cleaning.

Not everyone uses copper spray on headgaskets, I do though, always have, never had a problem. I wouldn't use it if your using a composite headgasket, only use it on MLS.