Gasket Sealant

[bradartigue]

A book that my dad has about MGB's says to coat the gaskets with grease. Since they all seem to leak, I don't know if that is good or bad?

Manufacturing tolerances of everything ever made by MG are so poor that things simply leak. I think MG is what kept/keeps Permatex in business to begin with. Only car I've ever seen where gauges leak engine fluids.

[131]

Anything British that doesn't leak oil has run out, or never had any in it in the first place.

[majicwrench]

Like our Fiats don't leak??

I worked for British Leyland in the 70's, we almost NEVER fixed oil leaks. Not much point trying....

Keith

[131]

Like our Fiats don't leak??

Mine doesn't.

[bradartigue]

Like our Fiats don't leak??

I worked for British Leyland in the 70's, we almost NEVER fixed oil leaks. Not much point trying....

Keith

Mine don't. I never had a problem with leaks, but I also spent probably 6x longer than necessary on things like head gasket replacements trying to get everything as clean and level as possible. Sure you get the occasional "oh s**t" leak like a hose exploding, but a persisting drip-drip-drip, nope. These are fairly low pressure engines, so leaks are a problem of poor mating (or cheap parts, which is likely) than anything else. The tolerances FIAT manufactured to are actually pretty tight.

[wizard124]

I mentioned on a different thread, that when I removed my oil pan to change out the gasket, I discovered bits of silicone sealant stuck to the oil pump intake screen. The only sealant I have found is on the cam boxes. I assumed this silicone had broken loose and migrated to the oil pan.
Since I had a rented engine hoist for a day, I hurried to replace the gasket and pan. I applied some silicone also. Sparingly, or so I thought. My goal is to stop the drips. BUT, I developed mis-givings about using the sealant, and decided to drop the pan and change out the gasket for a second time.

This morning, I bought a Simpson Strong Tie and some lag bolts; attached to the beam spanning my garage. Using a hand winch, I raised my engine off its stand. Worked like a champ


This is what happened to the little amount of applied sealant, squished out. Maybe block the oil pump screen. Just glad I went to the trouble. Also gives me a chance to paint the pan.

[bradartigue]

Yep, sealants suck. Nice pictures showing the problem.

[124Germ]

Thanks everyone for all the replies....I think I will go with the oiling technique or else the high tack in order to keep the gaskets in place when installing the water pump. Now on to my other problem posted in a new thread where my crank moved during the belt install, guess now I know why your suppose to place the car in gear when changing the belt.

Thanks again.