Engine Gasket Recommendations

[Christopher R.]

I've used the new valve cover gaskets, intake manifold gaskets, and the 1 piece oil pan gasket. They are great. But what about the waterpump and timing cover gaskets. I've seen the older thin paper ones. And I've seen cork ones. Is that all there is for those gaskets?

I'm not knowledgeable about gasket technology. But thin paper or cork seem old fashioned to me. The newer gaskets for intake manifolds, oil pans, and valve covers have modern materials, built-in "O" rings, torque limiting spacers, etc. What about timing covers and water pumps? What about the ring for the timing cover hole where the crankshaft goes?

[Joe L.]

Re: Engine Gasket Recommendations

chris-----

The waterpump and timing cover gaskets have to be thin; extra thickness would generate other problems with waterpump fit and pulley line-up. I would not use the cork gaskets for these applications. The standard gaskets available from most of the major suppliers as well as GM will work just fine. Use them with a VERY THIN film of Permatex Ultra Copper on both sides. Done right, you'll have no leaks. For the timing cover, though, it's absolutely critical that it be "straight-and-true". You may need to straighten the one you have by carefully "flattening" it around the perimeter, especially where the bolt holes are.

The front cover oil seals available today are much improved over the originals used in days-of-old. The current GM seal, GM #10243247, is manufactured by National Oil Seals (Federal-Mogul) or CR Industries.