Gasket Question (Do I need Sealer as well?)

[jbrum1545]

To get the best seal do I need to use anything with the gasket? I have a small leak on left side crank case cover and want to fix it. I ordered a complete engine gasket kit (over kill but I have the motor out so I figured I'd try to replace what I could) I've read thru the forum and saw people were using three bond quite a bit. Do I need that as well? Also I have a small leak I think coming from the push rod seal, ordered the new seal. I saw a guy put gasket sealer over it after he installed it. Would you recommend that?
Thanks for the help!

 

[NewHavenMike]

I know some people are nuts when it comes to using sealer with every gasket and going completely overboard..

As long as the mating surfaces are clean, use just a gasket. All the gasket surfaces are flat. I didn't use any sealer except where the manual stated to use it, which is mostly on the crank case halves.

When I assembled my engine, the only place that sprung a leak was at the clutch pushrod seal. The seal was all yoked and didn't even make good contact. Replaced that and it's been fine.


Edit- someone correct me if I'm wrong I dont have my manual with me.

 

[16VGTIDave]

Like Mike said, clean and flat is important. Less sealer makes for fewer leaks and a cleaner install. Taking the time to do the prep work will make for a better end result.

That said, I will apply a very small amount of sealant where rubber gaskets go into corners, or where 2 rubber gaskets meet. Just enough to see a thin film of sealant, but not enough to squish out when assembled. With paper type gaskets, I use a thin smear of brush on gasket cement on one side to keep the gasket in place during assembly. Usually on the removable cover. And I wax the other side of the paper gasket so it doesn't stick and tear when the cover is removed in the future. O-rings and seals are lubricated with what ever they will be in contact with (e.g. engine oil) and then installed.

 

[xschris]

Also agree with the very clean surfaces. Prep is the key. I only use a light coat of grease on the gaskets when I replace them. This is so if I have to remove a cover (like the sump filter) none of the gasket sticks. I have done this many times and still the same gasket will not leak. Sealant should only be for non-gasket mating surfaces. I only use yamabond 4 for those.

 

[jbrum1545]

Excellent. Thanks for the info! I'm sure more questions will arise when I actually start doing the work hahaha Thanks again! I have the engine on my desk in the living room, girlfriend doesn't seem to happy about it, forgot it was thanksgiving and were having people over...whoops