To Silicone or Not to Silicone

Topic: To Silicone or Not to Silicone (Read 955 times) previous topic - next topic

To Silicone or Not to Silicone

February 26, 2010, 09:07:18 PM

When rebuilding or replacing the timing cover or water pump how many people use silicone or equivalent along with the gaskets

To Silicone or Not to Silicone

Reply #1 – February 26, 2010, 09:16:31 PM

I use the gasket and put a small bead arround both the coolant ports on both the cover side and the engine side.

To Silicone or Not to Silicone

Reply #2 – February 26, 2010, 10:39:54 PM

agreed, I do the same thing to ensure a good seal.

To Silicone or Not to Silicone

Reply #3 – February 27, 2010, 06:23:33 AM

I base my method on the condition of the parts. If they're pitted or if there was a leak I use silicone. If they look like new I just use the gaskets. They almost never look like new though...

To Silicone or Not to Silicone

Reply #4 – March 01, 2010, 04:43:53 PM

I just put a small bead of RTV on both sides of the gasket and bolt the parts together. I've never had a water pump leak doing that.

To Silicone or Not to Silicone

Reply #5 – March 01, 2010, 08:14:37 PM

I'm a big fan of Hylomar, but it's not always available any more.

To Silicone or Not to Silicone

Reply #6 – March 02, 2010, 02:54:47 PM

I use Hylomar on Harley engine cases and cylinder base gaskets, and on car engines in place of permatex. It was developed by Rolls Royse for use in the aerospace industry. It don't harden and dry out, impervious to gas and oil, and it wont plug an oil hole and cause a spun bearing like silicone can. It can be found cheap at any Harbor Freight.

http://www.hylomarblue.com/

To Silicone or Not to Silicone

Reply #7 – March 02, 2010, 03:33:29 PM

FANTASTIC! Thanks for the Harbor Freight tip Tbone.

Time to stock up again, I was on my last tube.

To Silicone or Not to Silicone

Reply #8 – March 03, 2010, 02:02:32 AM

Thanks for the headsup on the Hylomar. Sounds like some good stuff!!