I am going to use Permatex High Temp thread sealant for bolts but what's the best RTV on the gaskets? Also I have FelPro and the AC Delco gaskets that came with it. Any one better than the other?

 

You don't need RTV on the gaskets, use as is and it will be fine. But the best RTV is black right-stuff.

 

I just used some high tack when i put my gaskets on. No leaks here

 

Like wrd1972 said, use those gaskets dry, they are good gaskets and will seal fine as is. GM didn't use extra sealant on the assembly line.

 

So use the AC over the Felpro?

 

There is really no appreciable difference.

 

Thanks!

 

No RTV at all. Everyone that I've seen that had rtv, started leaking not soon after.

 

Also you don't need any thread sealer on the water pump bolts unlike the cylinder head bolts.

 

Yes, you should use sealant. They run right into water on the backside, just like the head bolts.

 

Could not disagree more. There will most likely be seepage out the bolts if you don't use a thread sealer.

 

I recomend thread sealer or stainless steel bolts. I went with stainless steel arp bolts after having the stockers rusted in there

 

Well I apologize for the bad info...Didn't know sealant was needed and I've never used it and haven't noticed leaks.

 

Coolant comes rushing out of the water pump bolt holes when you take them out. Doubt it would seal without some PTFE sealant.

 

No RTV is necessary. Gaskets alone will do fine. Besides, it makes an ungodly mess to clean up if ever having to take the w/p off again. Only RTV I use is ultra black on the threads of the two bottom w/p bolts.

 

While these gaskets are designed to go on dry, I do spray them with some high-tack. Just don't overdo it.

For any bolts that are exposed to engine coolant, avoid the use of any type of "sealant" that contains moly or PTFE (Teflon) that can wash out. This INCLUDES the ARP thread sealer. You want something super sticky, heat, coolant, fuel and oil resistant. Again, Permatex High Tack works great. After 100,000 miles, it'll still be in the threads.

 

Typically you shouldn't need RTV on WP gaskets....but WP housing (part that mates to motor) can get pitted so I always put a light skim coat of Permatex "thermostat & WP" RTV (grey) on the WP. More to hold the gaskets in place while installing WP.

Use Permatex "thread sealer" (white) on WP bolts