Quick RTV gasket maker lesson: what type to use to attach gaskets to power plate?

[GN SBS]

I just need a quick lesson on which of the 1,001 varieties of RTV sealant would be best for securing the 2 gaskets to the power plate.

I'd like to trim & attach them to the plate before installing it to make things go a little easier and not have to worry about things lining up.

Any other general tips also appreciated.

thanks,
Scott

 

[GNVAIR]

You shouldnt need any sealant or rtv on those gaskets. Any of the black gaskets should be used dry. Just make sure the surfaces are perfectly clean and straight and you will not have any problems. As a note, I never use any sealant on water pump gaskets either. In my almost 20 years working on cars, I have never had one leak.

 

[salvageV6]

I used permatex gasket sealer. Small metal can with the little fuzzy ball applicator attached to the top.

Thinner than RTV and works like glue. You know the dark brown stuff that dries hard as a rock and is tough to scrape off.

Red or orange RTV should work fine also. Use it thinly.

Also could use dabs of weatherstrip adhesive if you wanted to only tack it in place.

Don't want much buildup whatever you use. The gasket and surface should be nice and flat and even in MHO.

 

[tom h]

I certainly wouldn't use any RTV permanent adhesive in that application, major PITA to clean off when disassembling.

I did smear an ultra-thing coating of Permatex Hylomar non-hardening sealant (blue goop) on gaskets when I installed my Powerplate, although as GNVAIR says it's not strictly necessary ... just gives me a bit extra protection & peace-of-mind against vacuum leaks.

 

[GN SBS]

Thanks for the info-- I'm not planning on using sealer on the gasket to plenum or gasket to intake sides, just want a little something to hold them to the power plate itself during install.

Definately think I want a non-hardening sealer.

thanks,
Scott

 

[twin 93 svt]

I wouldn't use any either it lines up pretty easy , but if you really want you can stud the doghouse

 

[Jimn8or]

Spray both sides of both gaskets with a light coat of Permatex Copper High Tack. Let dry and install. If the manifold and doghouse are perfectly true, then you don't need anything but the gaskets. Some of us have had leaks here and the above process will eliminate those.
HTH
Jim

 

[zam70]

I like the spray copper stuff myself. Goes on thin and works like a charm.

I myself prefer gaskets dry, but when in doubt, I use the spray.

 

[Gbody5]

I just installed my Power Plate, along with the TB bypass and Big Mouth cold air kit.

I didn't use any sealer on mine and it was very easy to line up the holes. I also did not have any stripped bolts, which I understand is common, a huge sigh of relief as I was very worried about them.

 

[fast eddie]

you dont need any rtv!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[GNANIMO]

They guy I purchase my powerplate off said I don't need any gaskets..

Just some copper gakset goup would do fine. Any comments?

 

[scottyb]

I used no goop, just the standard GM gaskets that came with it. You can prolly get them at the dealer. I suppose RTV would work, but it would be a mess, may get into the intake, and make it a pain to remove later.

 

[GNANIMO]

Has anyone else NOT used gaskets AT ALL???

I need an answer before the parts dept closes down for the day?

TIA

 

[bwallace]

I installed mine last Saturday and IMO go with the gaskets and nothing else. As long as you have a good clean surface the gaskets will be fine. Took the GN out to the track on Sunday with no problems. Once you get everything off you will see what I mean.

 

[alex]

I use only RTV and newer had a leak.
Alex

 

[alex]

Forget that...... wrong post

Use the gasket only no RTV on that.
Alex