Carb gaskets...To seal or not to seal?

[adam_knox]

So since the carb was black from the fire, I thought best to rebuild it. I don't know if it was leaking, but I want to try to eliminate any potential causes of fires, so I want a good seal to make sure the carb doesn't leak.

When I last put in new gaskets, I used a thin layer of gasket sealer. Should I skip that and just use the gaskets?

Since we're on the topic of sealers, should I use a gasket sealer for the exhaust manifold again?

Words of wisdom are much appreciated!

[randroid]

Adam,

I've always applied a very thin coat of blue RTV (put some on the gasket then wipe it off with your fingers) but remember it's the gasket doing the sealing, not the RTV. Also, check the gasket for ever having been bent where it shows the beginning of a crease because the smallest of flaws will cause it to leak.

I use copper or lead thread lube (whichever I find first) on the threads to keep them from rusting closed and I have used both on the exhaust and intake gaskets but, again, only a very thin layer.

Don't do anything until you get a consensus from the forum because I don't always do things in a conventional manner.

-Randy

[Flatie46]

I've never used anything but a gaskett on a carb and have never had any leaks.

Edited May 7, 2010 by Flatie46

[Dodgeb4ya]

Gas will dissolve RTV! . Gaskets on a carb should be assembled with no sealant. Check all mating sufaces for flatness before assembly. A piece of glass is good to check flatness.

Bob

[randroid]

Dodgeb4ya,

Thanks, I stand corrected. What I use on carb gaskets is #2 Permatex when I use anything because you're absolutely correct about gas dissolving RTV.

A few days ago I was told I may have had a minor stroke, and that's not for certain but my mind hasn't been quite right since then. I think I'll step down from the advise soapbox until I can figure out what's going wrong.

Adam, my sincerest apologies.

-Randy

[Dodgeb4ya]

Dodgeb4ya,

Thanks, I stand corrected. What I use on carb gaskets is #2 Permatex when I use anything because you're absolutely correct about gas dissolving RTV.

A few days ago I was told I may have had a minor stroke, and that's not for certain but my mind hasn't been quite right since then. I think I'll step down from the advise soapbox until I can figure out what's going wrong.

Adam, my sincerest apologies.

-Randy

No apologies necessary at all-just take care of yourself. Keep posting advice too- -whether good or bad, right or wrong we all still like to read it from everyone!!

Bob

[adam_knox]

Thanks for the tips guys! Randy, stay on the soap box. Trust me, there's crazier things said on those things than a mix up of RTV and #2 Permatex! If you are serious about the stroke diagnosis, best wishes to you. Just got my CPR/AED certification last night and they covered strokes. Here's some information about warning signs and what to do (red boxes highlight signs and what-to-do): American Heart Association Brochure

Don't let your loved ones or yourself be stubborn about chest pains... Okay, I'll get off the soap box now.

[randroid]

Folks,

Last week I went for a job interview and all I needed to do was recite, in my own words, what the non-political grassroots group for which I was applying had as their goal. I learned the Gettysburg Address in sixth grade and can still recite it, I can recite all of the verses in Kipling's "Gunga Din" (using a British accent), and I know all the words to hundreds of songs, but there was no way I could remember more than about ten seconds of what I was trying to say before my mind went blank, and they gave me multiple opportunities to do it.

My Lady Wife Lynn is a CNA with all the add-ons who specializes in geriatric care, and she's the one who put me through all the tests after I told her what had happened because not remembering is not like me. I'll see the VA Medicos in two weeks and let them know what happened then take it from there, but Lynn assured me that unless I'm tested within a few hours of the extremely mild form of stroke she suspects nothing can be determined positively. Truthfully, though, a mild stroke hasn't been on the forefront of my mind lately because what concerns me is whether or not the VA will attempt an arterial transplant or simply remove a portion of my right leg, and there's no way to put it other than I'm scared poopy-less. My BP is way too high even with drugs the VA gives me and although I'm licensed to possess and use what honestly does the best trick I can't very well be stoned all the time and expect to function.

Thanks for listening, and Adam I hope I haven't hijacked your thread; this forum has gotten to be a part of an extended family for me and I just needed to talk about it with somebody

-Randy.

[adam_knox]

No sweat Randy, I look forward to my threads being hijacked, seems that's how you really get to bond with people. My goal is to one day get a thread replied to as often Mr. Warsaw's Although I'd prefer less drama!

So don't worry about the venting, it helps keep the blood pressure down. Besides, we're all family here under the Mopar umbrella. Best wishes, and try not to let that stuff get you too paranoid. The docs are gonna do their best to fix ya' up.

[David Mac]

Some of you know my story that my son gave me the 48 Ply coupe, knowing I had an old Ply as a kid and was born in 47 (he thought the car was a 47). We just lost my son to a heart attack (he was 41) at least that is what they are saying (still waiting for the autopsy results).

To all, never ignore the warning signs of heart trouble or stroke. He was so happy to be able to see the Ply finished and was able to drive it. I miss him very much.

I don't mean to be a downer but I just had to tell everyone here.

David Mac

[Niel Hoback]

David, I am very sorry to hear about your son, I cannot imagine your grief. It's apparent that he loved you very much by what he did for you. You have to enjoy your car now knowing that is what he wanted. I cannot tell you how sorry I feel for you. Remember and focus on the good times.