Gasket makers are great to have around and are extremely reliable. They reduce leak paths, they are resistant to vibration, liquid, and temperature fluctuations. However, there are a few gasket mistakes commonly made, even by the pros, that can compromise a repair. If you avoid these mistakes, then your gaskets should be totally reliable. At Real Seal, we want to make sure our customers know how dedicated we are to provide them with the best service, the best seal products, and the best experience by avoiding these common gasket mistakes.
- Using a gasket maker to replace a head gasket
Modern gasket makers can replace some conventional, multi-material, formed gaskets, but they should not be used to replace a head gasket.
- Using the wrong type of gasket maker
Gasket makers are specially made for specific applications, and these formulations are usable for a variety of requirements, from high temperatures to synthetic oil resistance to sensor compatibility. Trying to use one particular gasket maker for all of these application variations might result in an unreliable repair, so you need to make sure that the gasket maker you use is intended for the application you are using it for and meets your requirements.
- Over-applying gasket maker
When you are gasketing, more does not equal better. Understanding the right amount to apply comes with experience, but a good rule of thumb is sticking to a bead thickness of roughly ⅛” to start. You do not need to apply a lot of product to get the ideal seal and applying too much product has the potential to cause the extra sealant to cause trouble like clogging.
- Applying an RTV or anaerobic gasket maker on an application that is subject to gasoline exposure
It is important to really understand the limitations and abilities of the gasket maker you are using. Only gasket maker products that are solvent-based can withstand direct contact to gasoline, so if you use one that does not fall into this category, you are asking for trouble. Gas weakens lots of sealants, so if your assembled product will have direct exposure to gasoline, you need to stick to a solvent-based gasket maker.
- Attempting to fill a gap that is too large with an anaerobic gasket maker
Gasket makers are designed to seal two close-fitting, machined-metal surfaces together. Anaerobic gasket makers are usually recommended for gaps that are tiny, tiny fractions of an inch. If you have a larger gap, then you should not be using an anaerobic gasket maker and should be using an RTV gasket maker.
- Returning to service before the gasket maker has had full time to cure
All gasket makers need time to cure before you begin the assembly process and put everything back into service. If you do not wait for the appropriate amount of time, it can compromise the integrity of your new seal and undo all your work. RTV gasket makers have a curing time between two hours and 24 hours, while anaerobic gasket makers need roughly one hour to cure. Regardless, you should know how long you need to wait for your gasket maker to cure before you put your assembly back into service.
- Waiting too long to reassemble after gasket maker is applied
Lots of mechanics will wait a bit to reassemble after using gasket material. In most cases, gasket makers work best when reassembled immediately while the material is still wet. Some even won’t cure until you’ve put the assembly together. Knowing your product is key, and not waiting for the gasket material to “skin over” is, too.
- Unfinished surface preparations
To successfully form a gasket maker, your surfaces all need to be prepped so you are working with clean, bare metals. If you don’t clean off old materials, then it can compromise your entire assembly.
- Reassembling the product incorrectly
If you rush the reassembly process, lots of common mistakes happen. Knowing your product, again, is key to making sure silly mistakes are avoided. Take your time, know what you’re doing, and understand your product.
- Using a gasket maker as a dressing on another gasket
This is the most common gasketing error. Many mechanics will use an RTV gasket maker to bind a conventional or cut gasket in place during assembly and even use that gasket maker as a dressing by coating each side of the gasket. This is the wrong product for these applications because these formulations are too thick to use as a dressing. Misusing the product is common, so understanding what your product can do and what its limitations are is key.
Quality Seal Products
At Real Seal, we are here to help with any of your sealant needs. If you have questions, comments, or concerns, please reach out to us today!
