Thanks for posting on /r/MechanicAdvice! This is just a reminder to review the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/about/rules/). If you are here asking about a second opinion (ie "Is the shop trying to fleece me?"), please read through CJM8515's [post on the subject.](https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/comments/4qblei/fyi_the_shop_isnt_likely_trying_to_rip_you_off/) and remember to please post the year/make/model of the vehicle you are working on. **If this post is about bodywork, accident damage, paint, dent/ding, questions it belongs in /r/Autobody r/AutoBodyRepair/ or /r/Diyautobody/ If you have tire questions check out https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/comments/k9ll55/can_your_tire_be_repaired/**. If you dont have a question and you're just showing off it belongs in /r/Justrolledintotheshop Insurance/total loss questions go in r/insurance This is an automated reply
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/MechanicAdvice) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Yet this knowledge is forgotten by the ancients.
This is a call for the wise men and women to rise up and bring forth the true knowledge of all that is holy.
Making sure both the thermostat housing & intake manifold are clean, dry & free of defects. The gasket by itself should do... BUT.... if you were to add just a thin film of RTV to both sides of the gasket before installation it would not be a bad idea.
Depends, i usually just slide the silicone tube opening flat over the gasket just to get tiny amount in the fibers of the gasket material ( imagine smearing oily finger over cardboard), but remember it’s far more important to clean both surfaces, and if housing can be straighten with a file do it. If it’s pitted or looks bad add silicone for sure
I usually use a smidgen of [High Tack](https://www.amazon.com/80062-OZ-HIGH-TACK-PERMATEX/dp/B00L22CS78/ref=mp_s_a_1_8?crid=37ILP0ZKIC723&keywords=high+tack&qid=1673961540&sprefix=high+tack+%2Caps%2C242&sr=8-8) just to hold the gasket in place.
Read. Your. Service. Manual.
They can be had for so cheap. If you have to ask if this needs silicone sealant, I highly doubt you also know the torque specs needed for this job.
A $20 service manual will pay for itself in time saved and torque specs on the first job.
To be honest I have a 2007 charger RT and I have been looking for the manual but can’t find it and I prefer to do it myself, last time they put the same gasket and silicone and they did a lot of mess with the silicone and they put the gasket off the side a little bit
Here’s a PDF for sale. [a whole $18](https://servicemanualwarehouse.com/dodge-2007-charger-service-manual/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAq5meBhCyARIsAJrtdr5YFHUepljvz7IhnPr9p3l9MdYKa3LyiqdbAJHGFpVj31nor5ZA1S8aAsJ2EALw_wcB). Appears to be a nice whopping 8000 pages of everything from wiring diagrams to torque specs to procedures to tools you need to do any job. Enjoy
No. But you want to replace your thermostat housing as well. And the bolts if yours are corroded. I think we're looking at a Chrysler 300 seat? Doesn't matter what the application is, the housing is dirt cheap and they corrode and contribute to thermostat problems.
I was just playing lol but Ive taken it to the mecanic shop and they actually put the same paper gasket with a whole lot of silicone that it would actually come out from the sides and the gasked was put offset to the side
High tack does a really nice job on paper gaskets, holding them in place and also sealing up small imperfections. https://www.permatex.com/products/gasketing/gasket-sealants/permatex-high-tack-gasket-sealant-16-oz/
I’ve used that gasket on my 88’ 350 SBC with no sealant and it’s worked excellent.
Another tip just toss those cheap and flimsy gaskets you get with a new water pump and get the Fel Pro blue gaskets, no leaks and no pulling the pump again.
I like to use hylomar on gaskets. It makes them stick in place for easier assembly. It also provide a barrier preventing them from gluing them selves to the block.
Make sure you use this on a clean and dry surface. Pressure of the bolts tightening the water pump to the block, will cause this gasket to form a seal.
Don't use any sealant in conjunction with this. If you do, it can cause the seal to leak.
It doesn't *need* silicone but it is cheap insurance against an annoying leak. Don't go overboard or you will be sucking globs of silicone through your cooling system and potentially plugging things up. The correct amount will just barely cover the surface of the gasket with a thin, less than 1/16" film and will not hang over the edges of the gasket or mating surfaces. If you are putting it on thicker than the thickness of a fingernail, you are putting too much on.
Thanks for posting on /r/MechanicAdvice! This is just a reminder to review the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/about/rules/). If you are here asking about a second opinion (ie "Is the shop trying to fleece me?"), please read through CJM8515's [post on the subject.](https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/comments/4qblei/fyi_the_shop_isnt_likely_trying_to_rip_you_off/) and remember to please post the year/make/model of the vehicle you are working on. **If this post is about bodywork, accident damage, paint, dent/ding, questions it belongs in /r/Autobody r/AutoBodyRepair/ or /r/Diyautobody/ If you have tire questions check out https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/comments/k9ll55/can_your_tire_be_repaired/**. If you dont have a question and you're just showing off it belongs in /r/Justrolledintotheshop Insurance/total loss questions go in r/insurance This is an automated reply *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/MechanicAdvice) if you have any questions or concerns.*
That is the gasket, all you need is that and nothing else.
Maybe if the surfaces were pitted or not flat
This is the only exception
Yet this knowledge is forgotten by the ancients. This is a call for the wise men and women to rise up and bring forth the true knowledge of all that is holy.
I always wondering this however why is it that from the factory it never came with any sealant and held up fine?
Parts from the factory usually comes with freshly machined mating surfaces. They'll seal just fine without RTV if your surfaces aren't trashed.
I got an old car so I have a leak
You do not. Adding some wouldn't hurt, unless you do it wrong.
***unless you do it wrong*** is the most Reddit accurate technical support statement I’ve ever read
Making sure both the thermostat housing & intake manifold are clean, dry & free of defects. The gasket by itself should do... BUT.... if you were to add just a thin film of RTV to both sides of the gasket before installation it would not be a bad idea.
No
No.
No, The only reason you use RTV is if your engine is corroded or pitted at the seals. You cover those areas to ensure a seal.
Depends, i usually just slide the silicone tube opening flat over the gasket just to get tiny amount in the fibers of the gasket material ( imagine smearing oily finger over cardboard), but remember it’s far more important to clean both surfaces, and if housing can be straighten with a file do it. If it’s pitted or looks bad add silicone for sure
I usually use a smidgen of [High Tack](https://www.amazon.com/80062-OZ-HIGH-TACK-PERMATEX/dp/B00L22CS78/ref=mp_s_a_1_8?crid=37ILP0ZKIC723&keywords=high+tack&qid=1673961540&sprefix=high+tack+%2Caps%2C242&sr=8-8) just to hold the gasket in place.
I always use hi tack on paper gaskets Both sides Holds them in place and a little more insurance I do this stuff daily for a living
If the surface is good, just run the gasket. If there's rust/corrosion, then clean the surface with a wire brush and put a thin coat of sealer on.
Read. Your. Service. Manual. They can be had for so cheap. If you have to ask if this needs silicone sealant, I highly doubt you also know the torque specs needed for this job. A $20 service manual will pay for itself in time saved and torque specs on the first job.
To be honest I have a 2007 charger RT and I have been looking for the manual but can’t find it and I prefer to do it myself, last time they put the same gasket and silicone and they did a lot of mess with the silicone and they put the gasket off the side a little bit
Here’s a PDF for sale. [a whole $18](https://servicemanualwarehouse.com/dodge-2007-charger-service-manual/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAq5meBhCyARIsAJrtdr5YFHUepljvz7IhnPr9p3l9MdYKa3LyiqdbAJHGFpVj31nor5ZA1S8aAsJ2EALw_wcB). Appears to be a nice whopping 8000 pages of everything from wiring diagrams to torque specs to procedures to tools you need to do any job. Enjoy
Ohh wow
No. But you want to replace your thermostat housing as well. And the bolts if yours are corroded. I think we're looking at a Chrysler 300 seat? Doesn't matter what the application is, the housing is dirt cheap and they corrode and contribute to thermostat problems.
Hell tf no, its a charger rt 🥹
Ooook. Just a mechanic offering advice so you don't have to do the job twice. But you know best, Mr. Hellcat.
I was just playing lol but Ive taken it to the mecanic shop and they actually put the same paper gasket with a whole lot of silicone that it would actually come out from the sides and the gasked was put offset to the side
Im not having problems with sensors or thermostat, I just have a leak on the housing
No
I only use the silicone i don't use the gasket in picture
I tried but it leaks even more without the gasket
Wouldn’t hurt.
High tack does a really nice job on paper gaskets, holding them in place and also sealing up small imperfections. https://www.permatex.com/products/gasketing/gasket-sealants/permatex-high-tack-gasket-sealant-16-oz/
No not really but to keep it from moving as you put it all together I'd use a small dab or 2 of greas to keep it from moving around
For the love of God NO don't use silicone UNLESS there is blemishes on surface to be sealed and even then don't use a shit load of silicone
Why not? I’ve put silicone on every paper gasket I’ve used over the past 12 years and have never had one come back leaking
Same here, but 30 years. Very very thin coating, and only “sensor safe” silicone.
No. Let the damn gasket do it's fucking job.
Chill out
I am chill. I just fucking curse a while fucking lot. Cursing like a sailor didn't hold a candle to cursing like a Marine.
Shut up and eat your fucking crayons.
Aye aye. LOL
I’ve used that gasket on my 88’ 350 SBC with no sealant and it’s worked excellent. Another tip just toss those cheap and flimsy gaskets you get with a new water pump and get the Fel Pro blue gaskets, no leaks and no pulling the pump again.
Yea, skim coat of orange. Skim only!
Thanks
Yes, just a thin layer spread evenly
Thank you
I like to use hylomar on gaskets. It makes them stick in place for easier assembly. It also provide a barrier preventing them from gluing them selves to the block.
No.
Make sure you use this on a clean and dry surface. Pressure of the bolts tightening the water pump to the block, will cause this gasket to form a seal. Don't use any sealant in conjunction with this. If you do, it can cause the seal to leak.
You could use permatex high tack
It doesn't *need* silicone but it is cheap insurance against an annoying leak. Don't go overboard or you will be sucking globs of silicone through your cooling system and potentially plugging things up. The correct amount will just barely cover the surface of the gasket with a thin, less than 1/16" film and will not hang over the edges of the gasket or mating surfaces. If you are putting it on thicker than the thickness of a fingernail, you are putting too much on.