I really don't know the "correct" answer, it seems ppl do it differently. WHen using gaskets(say waterpump) are you supposed to use RTV in conjunction with the gasket or either or?? Some guys just use the gasket and no RTV... What is the "proper" method, could someone just use RTV and no gasket?

Also, does it depend on what gaskets you are using, say exhaust, heads, etc?

Personally, most of the time I use RTV with the gaskets, except for the exhaust I just use a gasket no RTV.

Brian

 

using gaskets should be fine but using a little RTV is just going the extra step to ensure no leaks. Also the rails on intake manifold, front and back, never use the gasket. Always put a bead of RTV in place of the gasket. That is the only place I can think of, off hand, where you would substitute the gasket for RTV.

 

A gasket should be all you need unless the metal pieces the gasket is sealing are deformed or gouged or something. In a lot of cases all that RTV sealer does is cause the gasket to "squish" out from between the two pieces being joined and actually makes the seal worse. (that depends on the gasket material as well as some would "squish" out more than others)