Cavallo said:U have to know HOW to use RTV properly.
RTV is VERY dangerous stuff if it gets loose in the oiling, coolant system.
U learn that the first day of school.
I only use RTV (very small) in corners of intake and oil pans, thats it !!
Use permatex high tack for the rest.
I have a 25 year old engine with seeps, but no LEAKS !!!
Michael Yount said:Designed properly, it's the gasket itself that does the sealing. As the fasteners are torqued, the gasket compresses into tiny surface imperfections filling all the gaps. Dressings such as High Tack or Hylomar are there primarily to ease disassembly and clean up for the next gasket. If it takes a gasket and rtv to seal, then the either the surfaces are improperly prepared, or clamping forces or tightening patterns are incorrect -- and sometimes that's indeed the case.
xplhavoc said:Thanks i found out that the thermostat itself sliped down a little causing the leak at the bottom. This time i used silicone to hold teh thermostat in place and used a very thin amount on both sides and took the time to make sure it did not slip. So far it looks good..
thanks guys
jeff
Michael Yount said:Jeff - there are a number of places on the front of the 'engine itself' where coolant can leak. The front cover gasket, the water pump/front cover gasket, the back cover of the water pump, the upper intake manifold, the water pump intself, any of a number of coolant hoses that attach to the water pump and t'stat.