When to Use RTV Sealer During Gasket Installation | Fel-Pro Gaskets

Proper installation of Fel-Pro gaskets is the key to long service life. Join Master Technician John Gurnig of the Fel-Pro Field Test Garage as he demonstrates how to install a variety of gaskets from the Fel-Pro lineup. From Fel-Pro PermaTorque® MLS head gaskets to PermaDryPlus® oil pan gaskets, John gives tips for a successful installation.

For informational purposes only. We are not liable for any damages resulting from your reliance on this content.

[champspec]

I build alot of LS engines. Felpro is my go-to gasket for just about everything. But one issue that I’ve found with the valve cover gaskets. They become displaced shortly after installing. No matter how many methods or re-torquing procedures I’ve tried, nothing solves the leakage issue. I have tried other brand gaskets with better success. But they aren’t perfect either. Doesn’t matter if the VC are new, oem or aftermarket.. What we have found to be a full proof method for these is using a very light bead of Blue rtv all the way around the groove of the VC, the insert the dry rubber gasket into the groove. Wipe away the access, then install. It works as a glue to keep the gasket from moving. Without this, the gasket can move out of place when tightening down and through heat cycles. This is a tried and proven method.

[theamaturepro]

I've rebuilt quite a few old engines from classic cars that pretty much used all cork rubber gaskets. I've always used a very thin layer of rtv on the block side to stick it on for instillation. I finally got to build a modern engine a while back and I've gotta say, I'm a huge fan of the blue rubber gaskets! Especially the oil pan, but also the ones that snap into groves. It's such a great improvement and not getting rtv all over myself had me happier than a fly on fresh cow shit!

[caze]

I know we're all here for car stuff, but take a couple seconds at 3:15 to appreciate that PC on the rolling cart. It appears to be Compaq, and it's been a minute for that company. And I'm certain that it still does the job it's supposed to do.

[rayjohnson]

I use mostly Fel Pro gaskets on most jobs and on the corners of the timing covers and the corners of the main caps I tried dry before that's a no no that was a lesson learned for me great thing I didn't have to raise up the engine to remove the oil pan.

[acappellahymns]

The Fel-Pro paper gaskets weren't covered here. Such as what would be used with a water pump.

[franciscomacias]

Don't know about the coolant passage, I put them on dry and torqued the bolts as instructed and was getting coolant past the coolant passages to the lifter Valley. Had to remove and reinstall with a new set and added RTV sealant along the coolant passage and solved my issue. Yes both heads and lower intake were straight and level at the time of installation. 5 years ago.

[thekingiscoming]

Thank you John, you are doing a good job, can you do video about common mistake when replacing gaskets, incorrect torque when tightening the bolts ( uneven torque, over torque and under torque) . thank you again and GOD bless you.

[scottsthaname]

Rebuilding a 460 right now with your gasket set... don't let me down...👍

[DL-lssy]

I agree . For cam cover : dry, no RTV at all.

[draimomdpdr]

Those spots on the GM V6 valley seals are a pain to seal. Very easy for the seal to fail when not using enough, but using too much just dumps sealant straight down into the block. Adding boost and increasing crank case pressure tends to blow these gaskets out immediately.

That's an ancient PC back there.

[kulibo]

Hi,
You said no Rtv used on rocker cover silicon gaskets. But what about the line between engin block and timing cover meets ?
I see all mechanics use a small amount of rtv on that joining line..

[geoffmcnew]

If you've got a Ford FE (390-428), you should use Fel-Pro's 1632 blue cork gasket for your valve covers...with just a couple jabs of silicon.
...those should be right at/under where the manifold and head come together on the corners...just a few ccs.

[keithreeves]

Thank you so much for clarifying all of that for me

[MacAutoDiag]

I used to make gaskets at the Skokie location. Your gasket leaked and turned into crumbly tissue paper in only a few days on my rear differential cover on a 1999 Chevy suburban k1500 10 bolt diff.

[Sleeperdude]

So the takeaway is the more etc the better

[robinhockett]

I need one I hope that's all I need

[eddieco]

what about all the OTHER gaskets, ie, water pump, fuel pump, timing cover, and the 100 other gaskets found on an engine?

[Operator-fqfn]

Just got a fel pro oil pan gasket and it came with 3 rtv tubes wtf ??

[saverave]

I just purchased a oil pan gasket for 2008 Is 250 Lexus. Which normally uses sealant Is that a dry application with your product.

[markburton]

If you are sealing aluminum to aluminum a dry gasket is usually all you need. If you are sealing aluminum to stamped steel or machined steel to stamped steel you're going to to need some RTV. Rule of thumb.