RTV on Gasket?

[orange57]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Truck in question.

 

[OR VietVet]

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

 

[George B]

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

 

[Rocket Man]

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]

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.

 

[drakon543]

@orange57 the general purpose to adding a thin layer was so the gaskets would stay in place. also back in the day alot of original parts were cast sealing surfaces and less machined surfaces. i think its mainly just an old school thing that has stuck around.

 

[Fless]

@orange57 i think its mainly just an old school thing that has stuck around.

"stuck around" I see what you did there.

 

[89Suburban]

https://www.amazon.com/Permatex-800...t=&hvlocphy=9007372&hvtargid=pla-569360552330

 

[drakon543]

i dont use rtv too much anymore myself. depends on what im trying to seal up and what gaskets im using. typical quark gaskets i will probably still use rtv or if i see alot of pitting. i usrd the victor rienz reusable valve cover gaskets on a 79 corvette. those are some serious gaskets.

 

[George B]

https://www.amazon.com/Permatex-800...t=&hvlocphy=9007372&hvtargid=pla-569360552330

This thread is like a trow back Thursday now with all the old school gasket sealers!

 

[Black Limited]

Truck in question. View attachment 258026

I live in Houston Texas area......switched to a 180 Deg. thermostat on my Limited Tahoe, anyone know if
a stainless blade fan replacement, like the old Flex-A-Blade is available, the ( 4 ) bolt pattern is different
on the reverse flow water pump.