It works every time. I perfer Permatex #2. I seen too many people make a mess using RTV and still have a leak. This is were more is not better when RTV is inside the oil pan or radiator.
here's a pic of the rubber band/pencil trick. I used the permatex silicone made for water pump/thermastat housing.
... And you missed the part where I said "many people" Don't get me wrong, I will use RTV sometimes like the corners on the (4-piece) oil pan gasket or on the crankshalf seal in the timing cover. Any other time its Permatex #2
That's the one I was referring to.. #2. http://www.permatex.com/products/Au.../auto_Permatex_Form-A-Gasket_No_2_Sealant.htm There is another I have used that you brush on and I have had great success using it. http://www.permatex.com/products/Au.../Permatex_Super_300_Form-A-Gasket_Sealant.htm
"Ultra Blue" is silicone rtv - when sealing a flange it is best to start with flat clean surfaces and if a sealer is desired then use a flange sealer - like Loc-tite 518. It is an anaerobic flange sealer. It won't cure until you tighten it down and as it cures it expands to fill voids up to .050". A thin film (.010") on each side of the gasket and you will be wiping it off the outside - so use it sparingly. It peals off with the gasket when you need to remove it and leaves a clean ready to use surface behind.
Yes, I like 518, it's good stuff (5188 is even stronger). One of the wholesalers I buy bearings at, has a huge Loctite display, I'm always buying something.
So . . . thanks to everyone for the info, here is what I did today. The housing was actually slightly uneven, I filed it down straight, I'm sure that will make a HUGE difference. Got the loctite 518 and for some reason the last gasket I ordered wasn't very well fitting, got a felpro, MUCH better fit. Didn't take any pics . . . shame on me. I haven't installed them yet, that will happen tomorrow.
I use a stock type paper gasket with a very thin film of Motorcraft TA-30 on both sides. I've never had one leak. Just for info, the TA-30 is particularly well suited for cooling systems as it is RTV silicone that actually cures in the presence of moisture. A little goes a long way and I still use the gaskets. The only gaskets I replace with that stuff is the end gaskets on the 5.0L/302 intake manifolds. All the paper ones I use a thin film to fill pores and supplement the adhesion to the metal surfaces.
I use permatex ultra grey on both side of the gasket and haven't had a leak yet. Comes off pretty easy too.
Put the ultra black on, gasket went on over the thermostat and let that dry overnight. Then installed the thermostat housing after putting more ultra black on the intake side. Put the bolts on and let it sit over night and will go back to it tomorrow. Unfortunately I think I may have overtightened the passenger side bolt, on the last turn felt it get really tight and then a little loose, so I may have cross threaded that bolt thread. If there is a leak will need to tap that hole . . . arggg.
that may cause a leak... letting it dry before pulling it down tight will leave...air pockets... in the sealant...
Ditto, I never let something dry overnight with RTV then bolt it on. Gotta be gentle with aluminum threads too. You can't crank bolts down like you can with steel or iron threads.
