Gasket vs RTV vs Both ??

[timmirvin]

Spent a couple hours this afternoon using the search engine concering the installation of an Edelbrock Performer intake on my 360.

I feel I learned almost everything I needed to know, save one question. Not using the included rubber gaskets or problems with them was mentioned several times, mostly as an afterthought.

My question: Specifically, what is wrong with the OEM style Fel-Pro Gasket set? Is it too thick, too thin, shaped incorrectly?? Why should I consider, as some mentioned, discarding the rubber end pieces and going with only RTV?

I have never done this and it does not set too easy with me......But the thougth of removing everything to re-do it all is even less appealing!!! :mad:

Everyone's thoughts, personal experiences, and recommendations are greatly appreciated..... :cool:

[porchpiggy]

I used the rubber end gaskets and did not have any trouble, but they can slip out when you are installing (the back one is hard to see with the engine installed). With RTV, done correctly, it's a custom fit, can be any thickness you want. If you mess up, it's really not that difficult to redo, because nothing has to be removed, it's all on the front cover. Just take your time, it's not very hard.

[The Donzi]

I don't know about the gasket problems, but it is usually better to use the gasket in conjunction with some RTV. I wouldn't use RTV alone because of the risk of getting some spillage....A nice bead on the gasket to hold it in place usually does the trick.
Just a thought...
Jeff

[oddfire]

Threw away the rubber end gaskets and used RTV on both the Wag and the Cherokee. No leaks.........phil

[dharmabum]

I use the Fel-Pro valley pan kit which has the pan itself and two end seals and a tube of RTV. Just follow the directions and use the end seals with a little RTV in the corners to seal it to the valley pan as well as around the water jackets and some gasket sealer around the intake ports. I've done this several times and found it to work great and no leaks on em yet. The end seals are formed to sit over the ridge at the front and back of the block and stay put pretty good if everything is nice and clean.

[johnypreflt]

Well, I've done it each way that you mention, with gasket only, with rtv only, and with gasket&rtv. It is really just a matter of opinion. Each way has worked as well as the other but I tend to use the dap of rtv on each end of the rubber end pieces method.

[TexasJ10]

Doesn't Edelbrock recommend dumping the rubber end seals in favor of RTV. It's been a while since I read their instructions, but I thought that was thier recommendation for their manifolds.

[La Wagoneer]

Edelbrock, Holley and most other aftermarket manifold makers recomend using the rubber gaskets because the aluminium manifold expands and contracts at a different rate than the cast iron engine. I have always useed the rubber gaskets with a dab of RVT on the ends to seal with great results. I don't like using straight RVT because it makes pulling the manifold and clean up harder and if you don't drop the manifold straight down you run the risk of losing the seal. I also know several people that swear by using only RVT. I guess it's a matter of what works for you.

[JJK4666]

I used Indian Head gasket shellac on the rubber gaskets and RTV (fel-pro) on the corners. I hate leaks and the gasket shellac does not allow any. It also cannot break off and get into oil passages which rtv can and does (especially the blue crap) I used it on my pan, valve covers timing cover and intake and no leaks.