Gasket advice please......

JOHNO23 · Feb 8, 2020

I’ll soon be putting the gearbox back together on my mk3 and then in a few weeks the primary cover will be refitted. What is the thinking re gaskets. Do you guys. 1. use the supplied gaskets ( I have them coming from Andover) only? 2. Use the gaskets in conjunction with a gasket sealer like three bond 1194? 3. Use only a gasket sealer like three bond 1194.

Are there any other sealants that people use?
This is probably a pretty basic question so Apologies for that,but I don’t want to get it wrong and have to redo it.In the past I’ve used blue hylomar or equivalent along
with the gaskets,but in all honesty have never been convinced by what I was doing.or the results.Any advice would be gratefully received.

kommando · Feb 8, 2020

On faces that have no gasket I use Loctite 518, for other gasket using faces I use the gasket with grease on one face and 518 on the other so the gasket can be reused.

Nortoniggy · Feb 8, 2020

If the faces are ok I just paint copaslip (anti seize paste) on both sides of the gasket.

Fast Eddie · Feb 8, 2020

As above, if the faces are good then greased gaskets should be fine.

However, for added belt n braces, personally, I use Wellseal applied nice n evenly with a small paintbrush.

jaydee75 · Feb 8, 2020

I put my gearbox together using no gaskets. Just Loctite 518, no problems after many years.
Jaydee

Fast Eddie · Feb 8, 2020

Gaskets take up space. Leaving them out necessitates careful checking of various clearences and end floats etc.

jaydee75 · Feb 8, 2020

Yes, it will make a difference, in my case leaving off the gaskets gave me the desired end play as a bonus.
Jaydee

jseng1 · Feb 9, 2020

There are alternatives to paper gaskets now.
You only need sealer with copper head and base gaskets.
Scraping gaskets is a PIA

baz · Feb 9, 2020

Grease

Onder · Feb 9, 2020

TTI box use just RTV type sealant. I use Permatex Gray high torque . It seals very well but then you have to be careful not to use too much.
518 I suppose is safer. Modern gaskets seem to be a one use thing as they almost melt when you assemble, stay oil tight but seem awfully
fragile for multiple uses.
Maybe Im just a coward.

ELLIS · Feb 9, 2020

I use Wellseal on the cover face and just a thin film of grease on the inner case. Makes light work of removing the cover and the gasket is good for a few inspections.

ELLIS

Esmerela · Feb 9, 2020

Andover gaskets with thin film of 3 bond 1215 no leaks, easy disassembly and clean up.

https://www.demon-tweeks.com/uk/three-bond-silicone-liquid-gasket-grey-tb1215-250g-tube-tbetb1215/

htown16 · Feb 9, 2020

Definitely use the gasket on the timing cover as you want to get the proper crush on the cone washer on the oil pump. Same thing on the inner gasket on the gearbox, want to get correct end float on the lay shaft. I use three bond on those gaskets. It will definitely seal it but can be a pain to break loose. As far as the outer gearbox cover, I've been using blue hylomar and no gasket which should separate easily if I need to remove the cover. Removing the outer cover seems to happen occasionaly due either to the need to adjust the shifter spring or a leaking kick shaft seal. Be sure and use the Andover quad ring kickshaft seal and not the plain o-ring.

Bernhard · Feb 10, 2020

Gasket cement that hardens solid should not be used on timing covers, they are more suitable for joining crankcases. Plastic or oil resistant gasket is OK but cleaning off should not be difficult. There is a method that works.

maylar · Feb 10, 2020

I've been using silicone gaskets under my valve covers for a while now. They're reusable and don't need sealer. But they "squish" and eventually need replacement.

Jim S solved that by reinforcing them with fiberglass. -

https://jsmotorsport.com/product-category/gaskets-norton-motorcycle-bike/

Next time my gearbox cover has to come off, I'll use one of those. Can never tell if I'll need to replace a hairpin spring on the road...

MexicoMike · Feb 10, 2020

Bernhard said:
Gasket cement that hardens solid should not be used on timing covers,

Or, IMO, anywhere else!

When I need a sealer, my favorite is: https://www.amazon.com/Permatex-29132-MotoSeal-Ultimate-Gasket/dp/B000HBGHKE It's been pretty much the only sealant I've used for quite a few years now on engines from motos to marine diesels.

I don't use RTV on engines but I do like it for bathtubs!

Onder · Feb 10, 2020

I just used RTV for shorthand. Bathtub silicone isnt the same as the Permatex and 3 Bond stuff.

MexicoMike · Feb 10, 2020

I was being sarcastic re bathtubs. I don't use automotive silicones for engine work except where it's called for for gap-filling purposes as it is on the "corners" of certain automotive intake gasket/valley pan gaskets.

cash · Feb 10, 2020

i just clean up the faces, degrease them and install the gaskets bone dry. Never had a leak.
Dave.

concours · Feb 10, 2020

Onder said:
I just used RTV for shorthand. Bathtub silicone isnt the same as the Permatex and 3 Bond stuff.

Room
Temperature
Vulcanizing is a type of rubber sealant, many specialized variations (as mentioned) and is used in some OEM automotive applications. Made by many companies.

Permatex is a COMPANY

3bond is a COMPANY as well, they both make a wide variety of products.

The whole thrust is, RTV, when over applied, can leave excess material internally, which can seperate and may clog oil passages.

Gasket advice please......

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