pinny Posted January 3, 2009 Posted January 3, 2009 the p gasket is it normal for this to last for 14 months and is it always a metal gasket, having replaced once its leaking again only a whimper at the moment, i put silicone on both sides of it and tightened it up square, is this a common prob because of the weight of the alternator etc hanging there movement etc, any extra tips and any special sealant hermetite red etc views appreciated chris Quote
Les Henson Posted January 4, 2009 Posted January 4, 2009 Assuming that the new gasket was replaced correctly, then distortion of the housing can cause a new one to leak. To avoid this problem I put RTV sealant either side of the gasket, then tighten the three bolts that surround the water channel before the rest. In this way the gasket mating face is pulled tight against the block first and if there is any distortion it will be elsewhere where it doesn't matter. Use proper RTV sealant and allow it to set overnight will also help. Les. Quote
JimAttrill Posted January 4, 2009 Posted January 4, 2009 A small leak from the metal/plastic gasket isn't something to worry about too much. It is hard to seal well because of the unlike materials with different expansion properties ie: cast iron and cast aluminium alloy. But it will not blow out like the original paper gasket which would then cause a huge leak which endangered your whole engine. I wouldn't use Hermetite, I use the grey RTV sealants which normally work up to 600°C or so and are (mostly) made in the USA. Hermetite reminds me of that red smelly stuff that I used to plaster my BSA with in the bad old days. Didn't work, but did coat the outside of the engine quite well. If you are going to redo the gasket, take Les' advice. It also pays to let the RTV set overnight BEFORE refilling the coolant and starting the engine. (I think that is what Les meant). This applies very much so to the 300Tdi sump as well. One tip - use some cut threaded rod or old long bolts with the heads cut off when you refit the seal with the RTV. Cut screwdriver slots in the rod so you can remove them after getting the gasket and housing seated well. This stops the RTV being smeared all over the place while you fit the gasket, housing and the bolts. Quote
pinny Posted January 4, 2009 Author Posted January 4, 2009 thanks for the replys jim/les ive ordered a new gasket and ill do it next weekend just a pain it only lasted 14 months i thought i had done something wrong cheers for the replys,chris. Quote
stageonesimmo Posted January 5, 2009 Posted January 5, 2009 Mine went and I put a metal gasket in to replace the failed paper one. It lasted exactly 7 months - down to the day! I then made my own out of silicon inpregnated gasket paper, used RTV lightly on each side, flatted the pump housing using fine wet/dry (with light oil) on a sheet of MDF, did the same to the block and put it all back together, tightening it as Les suggests. Its been OK for over 14 months now - so, so much for metal gaskets then........... Quote
Les Henson Posted January 5, 2009 Posted January 5, 2009 Its been OK for over 14 months now You do know you shouldn't have said that? Les Quote
stageonesimmo Posted January 5, 2009 Posted January 5, 2009 Les - I thought exactly that as I pressed the 'post' button - I'll go out tomorrow and it'll have spat all its coolant on the drive.................. Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.