Manifold gaskets - rtv or no?

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May 11, 2008 | 03:32 PM

FastBlackTA

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From: Maryland

Manifold gaskets - rtv or no?

I reused a set of manifold gaskets on my vette to get it running so I'm swapping them out on wednesday (along with adding another methanol nozzle) so I can get off to the dyno.

Are you turbo guys running gaskets and if so, are you all using copper rtv on them?

May 11, 2008 | 05:24 PM

stevieturbo

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From: Norn Iron

You should never need sealer on any LS gasket.

May 11, 2008 | 08:11 PM

badass99ss

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From: Wenatchee WA

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevieturbo

You should never need sealer on any LS gasket.

+1....I did use some on the corners of the timing cover to oil pan tho.

May 11, 2008 | 08:23 PM

NemeSS

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From: Houston,TX

ive never had to use sealer anywhere on the motor, as long as the silicone was intact on the aluminum gaskets

May 11, 2008 | 09:19 PM

FastBlackTA

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From: Maryland

Should have clarified in my first post:

I have seen people use rtv on exhaust manifolds without gaskets....but was wondering if anybody uses it on the aluminum mls exhaust manifold gaskets.

May 11, 2008 | 10:02 PM

Mr.MartyStone

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Yes, definitely ditch the gaskets and run RTV.

May 11, 2008 | 10:54 PM

theblur98ss

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I always thought the stock metal gaskets were good. So you guys are just getting rid of them and smearing high temp rtv on the headers and bolting them down?

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May 12, 2008 | 12:47 AM

z06kilr

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Ive always use gasket and copper rtv on mine. never have leaks.

May 12, 2008 | 03:03 AM

#10

DanZ28

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never used rtv on the manifolds/headers, shouldn't need to or something is up.

May 12, 2008 | 03:18 AM

#11

lubsvitek

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From: Blaine, WA

I usually put some high temp copper rtv on exhaust gaskets and havent had any leaks. It'll prob burn off anyways but theres nothing worse than having an annoying exhaust leak and having to reassemble, so might as well.

May 12, 2008 | 05:59 AM

#12

ls1290

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From: Colorado

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevieturbo

You should never need sealer on any LS gasket.

+1. They are designed not to need any.

Keith

May 12, 2008 | 06:53 AM

#13

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ok i'm stupid, what is LS gaskets? i know the multilayered gaskets but LS ?

...or are yall talking about LSx gaskets ?

aaarg to early and monday

May 12, 2008 | 07:06 AM

#14

Z06PSI

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From: Thomson, GA

Yes all gaskets for the LSX engines seal themselves as long as everything is set and torqued to spec. Always used dry here with no problems.

May 12, 2008 | 07:10 AM

#15

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From: Texas

yeah ok yeah i was trying to figure out what LS was standing for i kept going through different words to see if it would work and Loose Seals were the best i could get lol

May 12, 2008 | 11:14 AM

#16

stevieturbo

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From: Norn Iron

Ever think the term "LS" might refer to an LS based engine ??

LS1, LS2, LS3, LS6, LS7 etc etc.....

May 12, 2008 | 11:34 AM

#17

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From: Texas

and a chevy truck option

May 12, 2008 | 02:22 PM

#18

Mr.MartyStone

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From: Screwston, TX

Quote:

Originally Posted by badass99ss

I have never heard of using RTV instead of exhaust manifold gaskets

....I highly recommend Percy's xx carbon gaskets. They form/crush to fit, and I have never had an issue.

Troy

Then you need to look at what all the real high hp guys are doing (yes there are other motors besides ls motors). It is very common to not use header gaskets and just use RTV. When you start making real power you'll have problems with traditional gaskets...especially just carbon gaskets. At the bare minimum run an aluminum gasket.

Marty

May 12, 2008 | 02:30 PM

#19

stevieturbo

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From: Norn Iron

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr.MartyStone

LS exhaust gaskets arent traditional crappy gaskets. If the stock exhaust manifold gaskets are leaking under boost, then you need the flanges machined flat.