RTV on Gasket?

orange57 · Sep 19, 2020

Historically with a gasket like this I've used a thin layer of RTV on each side when assembling. However, I'm questioning the necessity of this.

The picture is the water pump gasket, but the timing cover gasket is similar as is the thermostat housing gasket.

Are any of you also using RTV in conjunction with the gasket when assembling?

Thanks
Matt

96-2D-Hoe · Sep 19, 2020

I replaced the water pump and gaskets on my 96 a few years back and did not use RTV.

Edit
Guessing you're in the wrong section as there is no thermostat 'gasket' on an OBS just an o-ring.

OR VietVet · Sep 19, 2020

I always make sure the surfaces the gasket is sealing are **** and span clean and smooth. I rub a very very very thin film of sealer/RTV on the gasket to get it to stick to the surface and leave the other side dry. Tension all bolts evenly and a little at a time as I rotate from bolt to bolt. To me, it is the feel of the tension that I go by.

OR VietVet · Sep 19, 2020

96-2D-Hoe said:
I replaced the water pump and gaskets on my 96 a few years back and did not use RTV.

Edit
Guessing you're in the wrong section as there is no thermostat 'gasket' on an OBS just an o-ring.

That gasket looks like an old style GM water pump gasket and says so on the plastic bag. Should be two of them.

orange57 · Sep 19, 2020

Yep, 2 of the gasket above. The housing came with a gasket. Should it not have one?

Truck is a 2000 Limited, so it is still the OBS with the 5.7 Vortec.

orange57 · Sep 19, 2020

Truck in question.

OR VietVet · Sep 19, 2020

Yes, use the gasket that is supplied. Be careful not to over tension. Thermostat housings can crack easily at the mounting holes.

George B · Sep 19, 2020

This stuff works really well on those gaskets.
https://www.amazon.com/Gasgacinch-440-Gasket-Sealer-Dressing/dp/B0012TTDN8

Rocket Man · Sep 19, 2020

George B said:
This stuff works really well on those gaskets.
https://www.amazon.com/Gasgacinch-440-Gasket-Sealer-Dressing/dp/B0012TTDN8

Gasgacinch FTW on that type of gasket, agreed.

96-2D-Hoe · Sep 19, 2020

orange57 said:
The housing came with a gasket. Should it not have one?

Truck is a 2000 Limited, so it is still the OBS with the 5.7 Vortec.

View attachment 258022 View attachment 258023

Never been a gasket on my 96. Not sure for the 2000

There's a recessed section in the center that seals to the rubber gasket (not an o-ring) that sits around the edge of the stat on mine.

RTV on Gasket?

orange57

Full Access Member

96-2D-Hoe

Full Access Member

OR VietVet

Multnomah Falls

OR VietVet

Multnomah Falls

orange57

Full Access Member

orange57

Full Access Member

OR VietVet

Multnomah Falls

George B

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Rocket Man

Mark

96-2D-Hoe

Full Access Member

Similar threads

Forum statistics

Latest posts