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Technical Tips

how to install gaskets - clean & dry

Clean and Dry

It’s no secret that Fel-Pro® gaskets offer the most reliable seal for any repair job. Proper installation is the key to long service life, as installation practices are changing rapidly as gasket designs advance. In the past, it was not uncommon to coat a gasket with sealers or adhesives before installing it; today, Fel-Pro offers many gasket designs with advanced leak sealing technologies built directly into the gasket. With these modern gaskets, RTV or other sealers can actually hinder the gasket’s ability to form a reliable seal, causing leaks.

Gasket Installation Tips

Fel-Pro PermaDryPlus® gaskets offer the latest in sealing technology. All PermaDryPlus gaskets feature proprietary in-house molded silicone rubber with strategically placed sealing beads molded to rigid carriers. This provides a perfect fit – with no adhesives – and saves installation time.

Installing PermaDryPlus Intake Manifold Gaskets

Fel-Pro-Intake-Manifold-Gasket

Intake manifold gaskets have been problematic leak areas for several years now. PermaDryPlus intake manifold gaskets are designed to provide a permanent seal. They have an aluminized steel carrier that resists corrosion and is not susceptible to degradation from exposure to fuels, oils and coolants. Fel-Pro's proprietary rubber resists all fluids and features multiple sealing beads that provide additional sealing and compensate for rough corroded gasket flange surfaces.

To ensure these technologies work in the way they were designed to, these intake manifold gaskets must be installed on a clean, dry surface with no additional sealants used.

Using RTV on the gaskets with Fel-Pro's propreitary rubber or silicone sealing beads causes multiple issues:

  • The sealer can chemically attack the rubber sealing beads and degrade them. RTV can act as a lubricant and cause the rubber gasket to slip out of place and split, creating an opportunity for leaks. Sealants can add thickness which creates uneven clamping force since the gasket will not be able to seat properly. Also, RTV can extrude out when the gasket is compressed, and it could end up in an oil or coolant passage and restrict or block flow.
  • In cases where a sealant is needed for installation of a Fel-Pro gasket, a FIT® Form will be included, along with the proper sealant. Only apply the sealant in the manner and locations directed. Intake manifold gasket sets may contain a small tube of RTV. This RTV is not to be used on the gasket face, but rather where the bottom corners of the gasket meet the end seals to fill the gap.

Installing PermaDry® Gaskets

Fel-Pro-Permadry-Gasket

PermaDry gaskets are intended for vehicles that had a molded rubber gasket as original equipment (not always the case). These gaskets are made using Fel-Pro's proprietary molded rubber formulations and are precision engineered for each application. To guarantee a leak-free repair, PermaDry gaskets must also be installed without the use of additional sealants.

Installing Fel-Pro Head Gaskets

Vehicle-Head-Gasket-Thumbnail

Fel-Pro head gaskets are also designed so that no additional sealers are needed. Modern facing materials and Fel-Pro's proprietary coatings will compensate for minor surface imperfections, resist scrubbing, and provide the proper amount of torque retention to create a true no-retorque head gasket. Use no sealers, adhesives or other additives with these gaskets.

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Learn more about Fel-Pro quality gaskets that are specifically designed for the repair environment, find your car part, or find where to buy your auto part today.

The content contained in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be used in lieu of seeking professional advice from a certified technician or mechanic. We encourage you to consult with a certified technician or mechanic if you have specific questions or concerns relating to any of the topics covered herein. Under no circumstances will we be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on any content.

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