10 replies to this topic

[Brams96]

When putting an engine back together with the gearbox is it necessary to use a thin smear of some sort of silicone seatant like RTV as well as the paper type gaskets? Can anyone please tell me what would be the best type to use or what you would recommend?
Cheers.

[Guess-Works.com]

best things to use is a smear of grease just to hold the gaskets in place... if the mating surfaces are clean and flat you should not need any form of 'jointing compound'... however, on the 1/2 moon seal this should be fitted with a bead of RTV.

[mikey72]

I always like a smear of loctite 5910 instead.
But don't go mad as you don't want to squeeze out lumps of it that can form balls in the oilways later.

[mk1leg]

I use Hylomar Blue as this never hardens and is easy to remove again..............Never use a compound on a Head gasket...........

[Brams96]

Cheers guys, I think I'll pop along to Halfords tomorrow for some sealant. Thanks.

[Cooperman]

I use Hylomar Blue as this never hardens and is easy to remove again..............Never use a compound on a Head gasket...........

Yes, Hylomar Blue is the best stuff.
As a piece of trivia, it was originally developed during WW2 for the Rolls-Royce Merlin aero engine which, like the more humble Mini engine, suffered a bit from oil leakage. Like the merlin, in theory the Mini engine should not need a sealant, but it can help.

[Brams96]

Just ordered some Hylomar Blue from Ebay on your advice. Cheers for all the input guys.

[madmike]

Just ordered some Hylomar Blue from Ebay on your advice. Cheers for all the input guys.

Hylomar Blue they use on military aircraft so its some good stuff.

[jay whiting]

hylomar has been around for years and years, has good heat range and works well. As stated above is easy to get off at a later date, does the job its intended for.

Some like me would still say if the joints are good tho, you shouldnt need any sealants as the gasgets are good enough on there own. But not everyone has the funds to have surfaces machined on rebuild so hylomar will be your friend

[whistler]

I use Hylomar Blue as this never hardens and is easy to remove again..............Never use a compound on a Head gasket...........

Yes, Hylomar Blue is the best stuff.
As a piece of trivia, it was originally developed during WW2 for the Rolls-Royce Merlin aero engine which, like the more humble Mini engine, suffered a bit from oil leakage. Like the merlin, in theory the Mini engine should not need a sealant, but it can help.

Just an add to Cooperman's answer, Hylomar Blue was only available through Rolls Royce car dealer part department. Here in Cardiff we used to buy it from Howells Garage on Newport Road. I worked for City Motors and we had to order it from the 'competition'.

[gazza82]

Almost a seven year thread revival! Wow!