Cylinder Base Seal
 

Reading the engine rebuild book Wayne Recommends although not 100% necessary using the locktitie case sealant on the copper base gaskets. I have just opened up my gasket set and noticed that my base gaskets are not copper 100% as illustrated in the book they seem to be coated with a black finishing. Anyone else noticed this on the 3.2's and is it still possible/required/better to use the sealant with these gaskets?

Steve

John Walker shared the good tip of spraying them with K&W Copper Coat.

My kit came the same way yours did. I don't know what the black finish is, but I decided to lube them up with a little loctite 574 anyways. Just like Wayne says, can't hurt. It was a biaaatch getting the sealant on there though.

Good luck...

We use Curil T on base gaskets because the cylinders move a great deal during the expansion that happens during normal running.
The Curil product is non hardening so it will move with the cylinder and continue to seal. It is certified for use in nuclear reactors so it also handles heat well.
The 574 Loctite is an anaerobic sealant ( hardens in the absence of oxygen). When it hardens and is subsequently moved it cracks and no longer seals.
There is the logic, you choose.

I also used Curil T on the base gaskets and followed the same logic Henry did. This is one of the gasketing surfaces I'd be LEAST likely to use 574 on due to the movement of the parts...

What sort of product is Curil T? I dont think I have ever seen that for sale in the UK, Will RTV silicone work the same or is it a different product?

Thanks Steve Richards

Curil-T is a non-hardening gasket dope and is not the same as an RTV silicone. Under no circumstances would I use RTV silicone on a cylinder base gasket.

Pelican's got Curil-T. I haven't seen a product of similar characteristics and quality on the shelves at any FLAPS around here, but you may have better luck.

Curil T is an Elring product made in Germany.
I believe that a RollsRoyse product called Hylomar (sp?) is basically the same.

We offer Curil T on our website if our host does not offer it.

Hylomar is also availabel from Permatex. I have used both it and curil T without any problems.

Cheers

I use Permatex High-Tack sealant, which is also what Andial & Porsche Motorsport use. Works fine for me (and them).

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1129778892.jpg

Every engine builder has their favorites. There are many ways to skin a cat.

Ralph

Another vote for Copper Coat.