Hey all,

I'm putting my A14 back together at the moment and thought I'd benefit from all of your experience.

I've heard that unless you use a lot of slicon sealant on the rear main seal...it is likely to leak.

I was thinking of laying down a little oil on the head gasket, sump and rocker cover gaskets...is this a good idea?

Anything special I should worry about for the manifold gasket.

Oh - and anyone interested (in Oz) I got the gasket set from Bursons for $108 - it is a AA Gasket GC277 containing:

AA Gaskets supply the following with in the GC277 set.

Timing cover gasket
Head Gasket
Technical Tips (Includes torque specs and torque sequences)
Sump Gasket (as well as sump ends)
Manifold Gasket
Rocker Cover Gasket
Quality NOK Valve Stem Seals
Water outlet gasket (thermostat)
Oil pump Gasket
Rear Main Seal
Front Crank Seal
Fuel Pump Gasket
ORING
Hot Box Gasket
EGR Valve Gasket

Regards,

Ben, I've found if you use Permetex No. 3 (its a non-hardning, non-silicone sealent that you brush on) you shouldn't get any leaks - as long as you dont bash the seal in with a hammer. Use a peice of pipe the same Dia. to use as a drift to knock it in place.
With the Head Gasket, I use VHT copper coat (spray can) or Hylomar (spray can) - works really well.
With the other gaskets I use Permetex 'Ultra Blue' for things like sump/timing cover, & Permetex No.3 for the rocker cover.
As for the Manifold, dont use anything. Just put it on dry.

Thanks Lurch

I'll have to check it out....

I initially thought the idea of a gasket was that you didn't have to use these types of products, but it seems by using both the engine can be better protected again.

An in a car that will do most it it's kms on the circuit, the better the seals the more time between rebuilds.

Looking at their website
http://www.permatex.com/auto/autouh.asp

It seems some of their products are advertised as gasket replacement gels...

Also with valve cover gasket, use desired gasket goop on the valve cover side of the gasket (let this dry and trim off any excess internally) then use a smear of wheel bearing grease on the head side so you can remove valve cover repeatedly before having to replace gasket!

D-d-double post...

Hmm good suggestion WhiteSedan.

It seems after reading the Permatex catalouge in some more detail.

Permatex

After ringing the supplier of my gaskets, AA Gaskets they sent me the following technical bulletin.

Quote:

If only I knew to seal the rear main seal I wouldnt be pulling the motor!!!!

Hrmm...
'AA Gaskets' make a few good points there.
Well in the end mate it's really up to you.
You could always assemble the engine with the gaskets dry & see what happens.

What will happen Ben, is that after you have done a few engines you will hit upon a 'magic' combination of assembly that will work really well for you.
I was merely adding my methods that have worked for me.

Yes, the Ultra Blue IS a gasket former/maker but I have found it beneficial to add a VERY thin film of it to troublesome gaskets that are in contact with lots of oil - e.g. sump, timing case etc.

Oh, & 1 last tip: I suggest wiping every mating surface where a gasket goes with

Thats not the first time I have heard not to put sealers on head gaskets. Providing the 2 surfaces are even that method is 100% correct. But if you have a worn block surface its a good idea to use hylomar on the head gasket as it will fill up any small amounts unevenness on the block or cylinder head. Head gaskets these days have a smooth finish on them so the gasket can move with the two differant metal surfaces expanding & contracting at differant rates.
As lurch said do what ever works for you.