Gasket seals
 

What's the recommended product to use on pan and water pump gaskets?

Re: Gasket seals
 

I use permatex #2 non hardening. thin skim both sides and on the face of both the head and pump, block and pan!!

Re: Gasket seals
 

I agree with rockfla. Works great.

Re: Gasket seals
 

Grease.

Re: Gasket seals
 

I prefer Permatex brand RTV Black.
I understand why some guys use grease, namely so they are able to reuse gaskets and / or easier to replace old gaskets.
Me? If a gasket is properly installed there should be no need to replace it, at least not in my remaining lifespan.

Re: Gasket seals
 

Thanks to all that replied. My first choice was Permatex #2 also but just wanted to double check to make sure. I'm going to use copper spray (a light coat) on my big bore head gaskets.

Re: Gasket seals
 

I was a mechanic for 30-years. I used Gasgacinch on the new machined parts like on a new water Pump. It holds the gaskets in place, so they won't slip during the assembly. You coat part and just the one side of the gasket and let them dry until they are just slightly tacky and stick them together. That's what worked for me on hundreds of water pumps. Originally, I was using silicone of both sides of the gaskets and every once in a while, the gasket could slip out of place, the Gascacinch was the way to go. If you buy a can of it try to get the smallest one available because once you open, you'll be lucky if it lasts a year. If you have block with deep scratches where some gorilla scraped off the old gasket then I would use a little bit of silicone on that side of the gasket to seal the scratch marks. The last thing you want on a collector engine is silicone sealer oozing out of the gaskets